Interactive Accountability in the Case of Digital Governance

This chapter provides an examination of the interactive nature of public accountability that has emerged as a result of technology implementation. The ongoing discussion in the field of digital governance lays the foundation for outlining the complex accountability relationships that exist among multiple actors in a digital environment. Building upon the stakeholder research tradition, the chapter presents an empirical illustration of the Finnish digital platform Sitoumus 2050, which serves as a strategic tool for the government in promoting sustainability through the participation of both state and non-state actors. The findings demonstrate the complex nature of the interaction process and public accountability arrangements, and highlight the need for further research to fully capture their multilateral character. The chapter offers preliminary steps toward conceptualizing interactive accountability and identifies avenues for future research.