The Power of Collaborative Journalism and Evidence-based Research in Promoting Civic Tech

The Power of Collaborative Journalism and Evidence-based Research in Promoting Civic Tech

Introduction:
In today's fast-paced digital age, access to quality information is crucial for a healthy democracy and informed decision-making. Two organizations, The Conversation Australia and New Zealand and EPPI-Mapper, exemplify the power of collaboration between academics, journalists, and researchers in providing research-based news and analysis in the field of civic tech. Both platforms prioritize open access, trust, and transparency, making them invaluable resources for individuals seeking reliable information. This article explores the commonalities between these organizations and highlights the significance of their work in promoting civic tech.

The Conversation Australia and New Zealand: A Unique Collaboration
The Conversation Australia and New Zealand is a groundbreaking collaboration between academics and journalists. As the world's leading publisher of research-based news and analysis, this not-for-profit company aims to provide free access to quality explanatory journalism essential for a healthy democracy. Led by Editor Misha Ketchell and CEO Lisa Watts, The Conversation brings together academics, journalists, and digital technology experts to transform knowledge and insights into easily digestible articles. By allowing free republishing under Creative Commons, The Conversation ensures that their content reaches a wide audience, fostering a culture of open access and knowledge sharing.

EPPI-Mapper: Mapping the Evidence Base for Civic Tech
EPPI-Mapper, a collaboration between the Civic Tech Innovation Network (CTIN) and the South Africa Centre for Evidence (SACE), focuses on creating an up-to-date evidence and knowledge base for civic tech in the African context. Civic tech refers to the appropriate and effective use of digital innovation in connecting government and citizens, public participation, transparency and accountability, and delivering public services. By systematically evaluating interventions and outcomes within the civic tech domain, EPPI-Mapper provides a comprehensive overview of the existing evidence in this field.

Methodology and Scope:
EPPI-Mapper follows a systematic process to develop the evidence map. This includes developing an evaluation framework, defining the relevant evidence, conducting a thorough literature search, categorizing and coding the evidence, and presenting it in an interactive and visual format. The evidence base within EPPI-Mapper encompasses academic outputs, empirical reports from international and national institutions, reports and impact evaluations from civic sector organizations, and reflections from civic tech actors. This broad scope ensures a holistic understanding of civic tech research in Africa while highlighting gaps in knowledge and areas that require further exploration.

Common Goals and Impact:
Despite their geographical differences, The Conversation Australia and New Zealand and EPPI-Mapper share common goals. Both platforms strive to bridge the gap between academia and the general public by making research-based information accessible and understandable. By involving academics, journalists, and researchers in the content creation process, these organizations combine expertise and diverse perspectives to produce high-quality articles and evidence maps. Their collaborative approach enhances the credibility and trustworthiness of the information they provide, fostering informed public discourse and decision-making in the field of civic tech.

Actionable Advice:

1. Support Open Access Initiatives: As consumers of information, we can actively support platforms like The Conversation Australia and New Zealand by reading and sharing their articles. By promoting open access initiatives, we contribute to the democratization of knowledge and the dissemination of reliable information.

2. Engage with Evidence: When exploring the field of civic tech, utilize resources like EPPI-Mapper to gain an understanding of the existing evidence base. By engaging with evidence, we can make informed decisions, advocate for change, and identify areas that require further research and development.

3. Foster Collaboration: Encourage collaboration between academia, journalism, and research organizations. By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, we can create a more comprehensive understanding of complex issues like civic tech. Collaboration fosters innovation and ensures that research and journalism work hand in hand to provide accurate and accessible information.

Conclusion:
The collaboration between The Conversation Australia and New Zealand and EPPI-Mapper highlights the power of collaborative journalism and evidence-based research in promoting civic tech. By prioritizing open access, trust, and transparency, these platforms provide invaluable resources for individuals seeking reliable information. The actionable advice of supporting open access initiatives, engaging with evidence, and fostering collaboration further empowers individuals to contribute to the growth and development of the civic tech field. Together, we can create a more informed and participatory society.