Governance by Indicators and Algorithms

Abstract

During the past two decades there has been a surge in the attempts to measure state performance in various policy domains. At the same time, we are increasingly being governed by algorithms that now make critical decisions in global markets but also govern our daily lives. This automatization reaches the fundaments of welfare state governance. This is seen to bear great changes to wealth, employment, and class relations. On the other hand, the new information resources and big data analysis are seen to empower citizens and provide new means for participatory governance. Yet there are many open questions about the emerging modes of governance by numbers and algorithms, particularly concerning democratic accountability. The panel explores the possibilities and challenges that the use of indicators and algorithms poses to governance on global and national level.