Policy data

The work of parliaments generates a wide range of data, for example on the voting behaviour of MPs and parliamentary groups, parliamentary speeches and questions, the financing of parties or contacts between interest groups and parliament. Combined with the desire to make this data and thus the political process more “transparent” (“German Lobbyregister”, “legislative footprint”), much of this data is accessible, but not always in a simple, systematic way. However, this data can make an important contribution to the understanding of political processes as well as political results – across disciplines. The aim of the working group was to analyse the scope and accessibility of this data. RatSWD and KonsortSWD could build on their previous work and expertise, but at the same time set new accents with a systematic focus on parliaments.

The focus was on reviewing and classifying existing data access options as well as identifying the potential and challenges in this field. A session as part of the KSWD was planned, in which these perspectives were discussed with representatives from academia and practice.