Decision Support Systems for Public Policy Implementation

  • Authors:
  • Agneta Ranerup

  • Affiliations:
  • Göteborg University and Chalmers University of Technology,Sweden

  • Venue:
  • Social Science Computer Review
  • Year:
  • 2008

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Abstract

This article argues that the Internet not only serves as a basisfor public service delivery but features in public policyimplementation, with the specific aim of supporting theindividual's decisions in educational policy, labor market policy,and pension policy. The present study is based on the actor-networktheory and illustrates the process during which a decision supportsystem (DSS), provided via the Internet, is part of public policyimplementation, with a focus on pension policy and the choice ofpremium pension funds. The idea of supporting choice via a DSS wassupported by many actors - albeit to a lesser degree by citizens' -active use. Technology has developed from providing information andfacilities for changing funds online into offering a DSS foradvanced financial decisions. A final conclusion is that there aretwo ways of supporting citizens in choosing funds: the provision ofa DSS and simplifying the available options.