The EU’s Digital Identity Policy: Tracing Policy Punctuations

Weigl, L., Amard, A., Codagnone, C. & Fridgen, G.
Proceedings of the 15th International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance , pp: 74-81, 2022

Abstract

This paper analyzes the development of the European Union's digital identity policy. The analysis focuses on the dynamics leading to a sudden shift from identity management as a sensitive topic under national competence towards a common, harmonized, user-centric European Digital Identity Framework layering on top of Member States’ existing systems. We adopted a syncretic approach to Punctuated Equilibrium Theory and focused specifically on the concept of policy punctuations and policy image. Process tracing is used as a method to trace and interpret causal mechanisms of policy processes. The empirical analysis is grounded in elite interviews and policy documentation. To open up the black box of policy-making, we analyze and disaggregate the policy process. We thereby provide a better understanding of the historical-political and technological mechanisms that determine particular policy outcomes.

Bibtex

Conference paper{nokey, title = {The EU’s Digital Identity Policy: Tracing Policy Punctuations}, author = {Weigl, L. and Amard, A. and Codagnone, C. and Fridgen, G.}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1145/3560107.3560121}, year = {2022}, date = {2022-11-18}, journal = {Proceedings of the 15th International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance }, abstract = {This paper analyzes the development of the European Union\'s digital identity policy. The analysis focuses on the dynamics leading to a sudden shift from identity management as a sensitive topic under national competence towards a common, harmonized, user-centric European Digital Identity Framework layering on top of Member States’ existing systems. We adopted a syncretic approach to Punctuated Equilibrium Theory and focused specifically on the concept of policy punctuations and policy image. Process tracing is used as a method to trace and interpret causal mechanisms of policy processes. The empirical analysis is grounded in elite interviews and policy documentation. To open up the black box of policy-making, we analyze and disaggregate the policy process. We thereby provide a better understanding of the historical-political and technological mechanisms that determine particular policy outcomes.}, }