The patent for this initiative has reportedly been pursued by the Ukrainian34 and Turkish35 governments.
VVThe importance of 21st century infrastructure-building was a major achievement, according to the Deputy Chief of Internal Audit Service at the Public Service Hall in Tbilisi. Information technology (IT) and data-sharing capabilities have allowed for government services to be streamlined, convenient, and efficient36. The Public Service Halls and other initiatives (public or private sector) that promote transparency have adopted best-practices models from European corporations in their treatment of employees. The importance of a legal infrastructure, optimized for ease of use, in order for individuals to understand the law and their rights within it, was also highlighted as an important factor37.
VVA representative from Transparency International Georgia, when asked about the Public Service Halls initiative, joined the refrain about the merits of the program. However, he pointed out that it has not assisted in the fight against corruption, given that it was initiated in 2011. Instead, it has assisted in embedding the practice of transparency in how citizens go about accessing public services38. Although he characterized it as a publicity stunt by the government, he acknowledged that it contributes a genuine good to the Georgian people, and preserves progress through institutionalization.
IV. ROLE OF CIVIL SOCIETY
VVMany of the stakeholders interviewed referred to the important role that the media and civil society organizations played during the Rose Revolution and in 2013 at the end of Saakashvili’s tenure. Saakashvili’s administration was made up of many leaders in Georgian civil society, and thus while he was in power, civil society organizations were somewhat weaker than during his rise and decline[1].
88834. Interfax
88835. Valenicia International
88836. Interview with Public Service Halls; Tbilisi, February 2014
88837. Ibid.
88838. Interview with Transparency International; Tbilisi, February 2014
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