Open knowledge, building trust, and strong integrity measures
An institution that develops the national guidelines on education and has a mandate for the advancement of scientific research and the innovation ecosystem, must have a strong foundation. A foundation built on means, resources, policies, and regulations that set high legal and ethical standards, and adopts strategies that equip its staff with the skills needed, as well as empowers citizens through strategic engagement.
The Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation’s work should be regularly monitored and assessed in order for policymakers, educators, researchers, innovators, and the public to understand how the institution functions, how it impacts their lives, and how it can be improved to better serve the needs of the country’s society and economy.
Such work is annually conducted by Open Data Kosovo through a methodology based on four guiding principles. The principles in question, namely transparency, accessibility, integrity and awareness, form the basis for assessing data sourced from the Regional Openness Index, a tool that measures the extent to which institutions in the Western Balkans are open to citizens and society.
According to the assessment’s findings in 2022, the Ministry shows a positive attitude towards responsiveness and transparency within the Ministry in terms of access to information. The Law on Access to Public Documents says that each public institution must assign a responsible individual to regularly process received freedom of information requests within a reasonable timeframe, and set up an official email address exclusively for public communications. According to a survey with MESTI officials in 2022, 47 out of 48 requests for free access to information were accepted and answered, showing a positive trend towards responsiveness and transparency within the Ministry.
Another positive aspect that derived from the survey is that public consultations have been organised for three draft laws. Namely, the Early Childhood Education Draft, the Draft Law on School Texts, and the Draft Law on Higher Education in the Republic of Kosovo. Furthermore, the data and documents collected from these public consultations have been made available to the public, demonstrating a commitment to transparency in the legislative process.
Moreover, the reports and evaluations stemming from these public consultations have also been published, indicating an effort to provide comprehensive information about the outcomes and feedback received during the consultation processes. This transparency in sharing the results of the consultations underscores MESTI’s commitment to engaging with stakeholders and incorporating their input into the legislative framework.
Nonetheless, the Ministry still has a long way to go to strengthen its commitment by establishing clear institutional accountability, and to do so in a consistent manner. MESTI currently lacks the publication of its officials’ code of conduct on its website or a link to the regulation on civil servant code of conduct of the Republic of Kosovo, which is available in the official gazette of the country.
This absence underscores the necessity for MESTI to adopt proactive ethical reporting measures, including the establishment of protocols defining appropriate behavior for various groups such as elected leaders (Minister and its Cabinet), political staff, and public servants. In Kosovo, state officials are mandated to declare their property, assets, income, and debts, with detailed information available for Assembly members. However, accessing property declaration details requires a formal request in compliance with the Law on Access to Public Documents and the Law on Personal Data Protection.
A properly and regularly trained officials is an indicator that an institution takes integrity measures seriously. Training on subjects related to lobbying activities, conflicts of interest, anti-corruption efforts, and whistleblowing are necessary as they equip officials with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively respond to irregularities and uphold high ethical standards in their roles, thus contributing to the overall integrity and transparency of MESTI’s operations.
In addition, Kosovo currently lacks laws regulating lobbyists and their activities, which could strengthen the protection of public interest. Legislation governing lobbying enhances transparency in the public sector and governs interactions between interest groups, lobbyists, public officials, and politicians. Establishing clear regulations for lobbying is pivotal in bolstering accountability, fortifying the legal framework to combat corruption, and enhancing the efficacy of state administration.
Open data and institutional transparency are not only a matter of good governance per se, but also a matter of trust between the state and citizens. Building trust is the most important quality that an institution can have, and it is an investment for abiding benefits. Such trust should not be presumed to be in the air, but cultivated through persevering internal work. It means that the institution provides the means, the resources, the policies, and the regulations that set high legal and ethical standards, and adopts strategies that equip its staff with the skills needed, as well as empowers citizens through strategic engagement.
In an extensive study, Open Data Kosovo and UBO Consulting, interviewed about 1306 citizens’ voices from various gender, ethnicity, residence, and family income backgrounds. The survey aimed to assess citizens’ perspectives on MESTI’s responsiveness to their concerns and their perceived ability to contribute to its activities. According to research findings, only 33.9% of respondents believe they can make a positive contribution. In addition, 29.2% claimed to be satisfied with the institution’s performance, while 5.7% indicated being highly satisfied.
Access to knowledge is a fundamental human right, and the central institution to make that right tangible must have a solid basis. A transparent institutional culture reflects with published information and documents on its webpage in open formats (Microsoft Excel or Word), making sure that teachers, students, citizens, and stakeholders, can easily access and use them.
Citizens’ engagement in the work of an institution’s work is a key indicator of its willingness to prove its informed decision-making. Therefore, MESTI should further work in developing a better relationship with the public as well as recognize the valuable contribution of civil society, including NGOs and whistleblowers.
The Ministry’s commitment to integrity and ethical conduct is questionable to the public without concrete plans or measures. Developing and publishing an integrity plan or an internal anti-corruption policy outlining measures to prevent corruption and unethical behaviour within MESTI, is necessary to reinforce the Ministry’s duty in this regard.
Internal measures as well as active and strategic citizen’s engagement will enable MESTI to reinforce trust towards citizens and stakeholders. As a fundamental principle, mutual trust and cooperation will enable all parties to gain the most from open government, particularly from an institution that supports and promotes the acquisition of knowledge.
