When the power of the purse meets the power of technology: a case study of Guangzhou People’s Congress in China

Abstract

Technology in governance has never been as important as it is now. Yet, how legislatures use new technology to enhance their oversight of government is neglected in the existing literature. This study developed a framework of information capacity to explain how big data technology could contribute to stronger legislative budget oversight in China. The authors select Guangzhou as a case and found that the online budget supervision system in Guangzhou provided an opportunity for local people’s congresses in China to improve both their efficiency and effectiveness despite their lack of expertise and time. All things considered, the accountability of the entire budgeting system is being improved. However, China’s case may not be copied elsewhere. The use of big data technology requires a favourable environment and various resources. Both technological advances and behavioural change are likely to take a long time to accomplish.

Keywords:

• legislative capacity
• budget oversight
• information capacity
• big data
• China

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1. China’s budget environment is not perfect. But, there is room for individual legislatures to strengthen their budget oversight under the current institutional framework.

2. Value, though discussed in many big data research studies, is purposely ignored here. While Guangzhou’s information system has been copied by many local congresses and the technology company that developed it has benefited commercially, GPC cannot claim any intellectual property right and cannot charge other local congresses for using the system

3. The Chinese budget law only requires a two-stage budget examination: the preliminary review, usually 30 days ahead of the annual congressional meeting, and the plenary budget review during the annual meeting. GPC created a three-stage process, adding a review session before the required preliminary review.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Social Science Fund, China [Local Governments Debt Management, 19AZZ013].