Sustainable governance : how can open government contribute to participatory innovations and promote more reflexive, adaptable, and ecologically attuned societies ?

Abstract

In the context of addressing overlapping socio-environmental crises, this article explores the role of open government initiatives in supporting the intricate relationship between democracy and sustainability. Focusing on Brazil’s National Action Plans within the Open Government Partnership (OGP), the study examines how these plans contribute to good governance and environmentally sustainable development. By fostering participatory innovations and promoting transparency, accountability, and social participation, open government initiatives aim to build governance systems for a sustainable future. The research employs methods such as semi-structured interviews with civil society members, document analysis, and collection of secondary data from OGP National Action Plans and Independent Report Mechanism reports. This critical examination of the potential and challenges of participatory innovations in Brazil’s OGP Action Plans not only contributes to understanding sustainable governance but also enhances interdisciplinary knowledge in public policy analysis.