In this analytically powerful study, Tero Erkkila deftly traces the rise of calls for government transparency and information flows in the Nordic countries. His compelling explanations offer novel insights into the nexus of knowledge and governance. Most highly recommended.
James H. Mittelman, University Professor of International Affairs, American University
'This important book is compulsory reading for anyone interested in issues of trust and accountability in public administration, or simply concerned about the future of democracy.'N
Niilo Kauppi, Research Professor, National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS, France)
Public management and performance management reform have had a deep impact on public administration. One of the ironies of such reform, as Tero Erkkila shows in this intriguing study, is that it jeopardizes access to public documents and government transparency. Erkkila argues that Finland has experienced a shift from a welfare state to a competitive state and that this development has included a commodification of publically held information and access to such information. The strength of his study is the combination of detailed analysis without losing sight of the big questions.
Jon Pierre, Department of Political Science, University of Gothenberg