Digital Governance

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/digitalgovernance

Introduction

### Course Review: Digital Governance on Coursera In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, understanding the intricate relationship between technology and governance is essential for both professionals and the general public. The *Digital Governance* course offered on Coursera, developed by the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence on Digital Governance, serves as an invaluable resource to anyone looking to navigate the complexities introduced by big data, AI, and other disruptive technologies. #### Course Overview The *Digital Governance* course is a comprehensive exploration of how emerging technologies impact legal frameworks and political structures within Europe and beyond. From e-democracy to online courts, the curriculum delves into critical contemporary issues that are reshaping the way governments function and interact with citizens. The course is structured into several modules, each focusing on different facets of digital governance: 1. **Introduction to Law in the Digital Age**: This module sets the stage by exploring the interconnections between law and technology. Participants will engage in discussions about how big data and data science influence legal studies. 2. **E-Democracy**: Here, you will discover how digital platforms can enhance democratic processes while also examining potential pitfalls. The emphasis on collective discussion makes this module particularly engaging, allowing learners to share their insights. 3. **Automation of Government Administration**: This module tackles the governance risks associated with digitalization in public administration, pushing learners to confront the shortcomings of existing legal frameworks in managing new technologies. 4. **Online Courts**: A contemporary approach to the legal system, this module highlights how online courts can improve access to justice, addressing traditional barriers that many individuals face. 5. **Competition and Regulation in Digital Markets**: An essential module for understanding the competitive landscape of digital markets, focusing on concepts of competition law, regulatory interventions, and case studies involving major tech companies. 6. **Ownership of Data**: Participants will delve into the legal complexities surrounding data ownership, discussing the implications of different ownership models for social equity and efficiency. 7. **Peer Review: Facebook and the German Competition Authority**: As the course capstone, this module allows learners to apply their knowledge to a real-world case, preparing a report for a government official on addressing competitive challenges in social networks. #### Learning Experience The course is delivered through a mix of engaging video lectures, readings, and interactive discussion prompts. The collaborative nature of the course facilitates a rich exchange of ideas among participants from diverse backgrounds, encouraging alternative perspectives on critical issues in digital governance. The assessments include quizzes to reinforce learning and a final peer review assignment that requires critical analysis and application of concepts learned throughout the course. The opportunity to advise a Prime Minister illustrates the relevance and real-world applicability of the knowledge gained. #### Who Should Enroll? This course is ideal for legal professionals, policymakers, academics, and anyone interested in the intersections of law, technology, and governance. It provides essential insights for those looking to develop a deeper understanding of how digital advancements are shaping the future. Furthermore, it is suitable for individuals in various roles and sectors, including tech, government, and advocacy, helping build a foundation that is increasingly relevant in today’s digital age. #### Conclusion and Recommendation In conclusion, the *Digital Governance* course on Coursera represents a significant opportunity for individuals to engage with pressing issues at the intersection of technology and governance. With its well-structured modules and emphasis on collaboration, it fosters an enriching learning environment that promotes critical thinking and innovation. I highly recommend this course to anyone motivated to understand the legal and ethical challenges posed by digital transformation and its implications for society. By the end of the course, you will not only have a comprehensive understanding of digital governance but also the practical skills necessary to engage with these issues in your professional life. Whether you're a seasoned legal professional or just starting out, this course will equip you with essential knowledge that is critical in today’s technology-driven world.

Syllabus

Welcome to the MOOC on Digital Governance

Welcome to this open online course on Digital Governance, brought to you by the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence on Digital Governance. Centres of Excellence are awarded to outstanding research groups that have a visible societal impact and conduct cutting-edge research on an international scale. Digital Governance (DIGOV) is the name of the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence that has been awarded by the European Commission to Erasmus School of Law, in conjunction with the School of Law at the University of Leeds (UK) and the Law School of Bar-Ilan University (Israel). DIGOV organizes topical conferences and workshops, has a visiting scholar program established and will connect stakeholders from society, aiming at a better understanding of, amongst others, how to shape legal designs that integrate Big Data and Artificial Intelligence more solidly into society. An important part of the Centre's activities is the dissemination of its research, which manifests itself in this open online teaching module on Digital Governance. A central focus of the course is to learn about the basic challenges of digital governance related to legal disruption and European policy. The disruptive effect of digital technologies shall be discussed within the context of EU law and politics. Furthermore, the economic growth options for the European economy; the relation between big data and privacy; the opportunities and risks of Artificial Intelligence; product liability of digital products; application of competition law and regulation in digital markets; as well as the ethical and business aspects of digitalization will be discussed.

In this first module we will begin to explore the relationships between the digital age and law with Dr. Ittai Bar-Siman-Tov. We will discuss the role of law in the digital age, the influence of big data on law and the legal practice. And of course the effects of data science on legal studies and research. The module contains a few videos, some readings and a few discussion prompts. We encourage you to engage with your fellow learners by actively taking part in the discussion. Remember there is no 'right or wrong' answers, the discussion prompt is to share different insights and perspectives on the topics.

In this module we introduce the concept of e-democracy and see how the digital space opens new avenues for democratic deliberation, lowering barriers for participation, realizing the vision of transparency. We will also discuss some pitfalls and challenges related to e-democracy and look into the future. Our expert, professor Oren Perez, will offer some interesting insights and share some of his research outcomes. The module contains a few videos, some readings, a few discussion prompts and some quiz questions. We encourage you to engage with your fellow learners by actively taking part of the discussion in the discussion prompt. Remember there is no 'right or wrong' answers, the discussion prompt is to share different insights and perspectives on the topics. For the quizzes, pay attention to what is being said in the videos and read the papers in the module for in depth knowledge.

In this module you will gain knowledge of digitalization in the public domain and will develop insight into the governance risks, especially for the rule of law. Attention is given to decision-making systems, surveillance systems and to the shortcomings of the incumbent legal mechanisms to afford real protection against harm and malpractice by authorities. This leads to a further confrontation with the disruptive effects of new technologies on current legal frameworks. This module contains three discussion prompts. In these prompts you are requested to share your insights and views on this complex topic. By replying to the prompts, you and peers will be able to learn from each other and exchange knowledge gained through the readings and videos. We are also welcoming your input regarding your national context, so we can truly broaden our horizon and paint a global picture on e-government

This module focuses on a fairly recent development: going to court online. While courts have been quite hesitant and maybe even resistant to change, in recent years it has become clear that the traditional court model is not working well for all courts and for all users. Courts are overburdened with cases, and many people are limited in exercising their right to go to court. Against this backdrop, there are calls for rethinking how courts might redesign their procedures and leverage technology to help lay people claim and defend their rights. Together with our expert dr. Ayelet Sela we will explore the motivations and innovations of online courts, focusing on how online courts enhance access to justice.

In this module, you will develop an understanding of how competition and regulation in digital markets have a role to play in ensuring that these markets deliver the best outcomes for all participants in the digital economy including consumers and businesses. At the end of the module, you will have a grasp of the basic concepts of competition and regulation in digital markets and when it may be necessary for authorities to intervene in such markets to ensure that they remain competitive. The module will also allow you to build a deeper understanding of the common features of digital markets with online platforms, features of multi-sided platform markets, and the fundamental principles of competition law and regulation. The module will also allow you to take a closer look at some examples of competition law interventions against practices of big technology companies such as Google and Amazon, and at regulations from around the world regarding different business practices of big technology companies.

In this module you will learn about the role of property rights for a fair and efficient use of data. The allocation of property rights on data determine to a large degree who is allowed to do what with data and to whom the benefits of data use accrue. Thereby the design of ownership can range from pure public ownership to pure private ownership. In many real world situations only a very specific legal design and allocation of data ownership will incentivise individuals to align their actions with social goals.

This module consists of the final assessment of this course. You will have to apply the knowledge and insights you gained to a specific Digital Governance case regarding Facebook. We will put you in the role of an advisor to the Prime Minisiter of your country who is struggling with the competition problems Facebook’s digital business model creates. You will advise your Prime Minister with a report that consists of a useful design of data ownership rights that helps to maintain competition in the market for social networks on the one hand and to preserve data privacy of users on the other.