Open Data Initiatives and Governance Transparency in Tunisia: A Socio-Technical Perspective

Open data initiatives have gained traction as a means to enhance transparency in governance across various countries, including Tunisia. Despite their potential benefits, understanding how these initiatives impact governance and public trust remains understudied. The study employs a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative content analysis with quantitative surveys to assess perceptions and usage patterns related to open data platforms. Analysis of survey responses indicated that approximately 60% of respondents found the use of open data by government entities transparent, while 45% reported ease in accessing relevant information through these platforms. However, challenges such as limited digital literacy remain significant barriers. Open data initiatives have shown promise in enhancing governance transparency but face substantial hurdles related to user engagement and technological accessibility. To maximise the impact of open data initiatives, policymakers should prioritise education campaigns targeting digital illiterate populations and continuously improve platform functionalities for better usability and inclusivity. Model estimation used $\hat{\theta}=argmin_{\theta}\sum_i\ell(y_i,f_\theta(x_i))+\lambda\lVert\theta\rVert_2^2$, with performance evaluated using out-of-sample error.