Formation of a transparent information policy in the context of decentralization: challenges and prospects

Abstract

Introduction. In the process of decentralization of power in Ukraine, the role of local governments in the formation and implementation of information policy has significantly increased. This has opened up new opportunities for ensuring transparency, accountability and public involvement in governance processes. However, at the same time, full-scale war, information threats, uneven institutional development of communities and limited resources have created significant challenges. In modern conditions, effective and transparent information policy is critically important for preserving democratic values, mobilizing public support and ensuring the sustainability of local development. Problem Statement. Despite the formation of legal and strategic foundations of information policy, its implementation in decentralization remains fragmented. Communities have different levels of access to digital tools, human resources and financial resources. The lack of unified transparency standards and monitoring mechanisms leads to a decrease in the effectiveness of communications and an increase in distrust on the part of citizens. The purpose of the article is to identify the challenges and prospects of forming a transparent information policy at the level of territorial communities in Ukraine under decentralization, as well as to develop practical recommendations for improving institutional, legal and digital mechanisms for its implementation. Methods. The study applied methods of analyzing the regulatory framework, comparing information policy models at different levels of government, generalizing practical experience of communities, and predicting the consequences of introducing certain management decisions. Results. The article analyzed the main barriers to forming a transparent information policy under decentralization, including limited digital infrastructure, weak institutional capacity, uneven access to information, and a low level of trust in government bodies. The potential of decentralization for introducing flexible and adaptive information policy models is revealed, in particular through the development of open data, local e-government platforms, and involving the public in the information process. The need to create unified standards of openness, digitalization of information procedures and training of local officials is substantiated. Practical recommendations are proposed for the formation of effective information policy on the ground, based on the principles of transparency, participation and trust. Conclusions. Transparent information policy should become an integral part of the development strategies of territorial communities in the context of decentralization. Its effectiveness depends on an integrated approach that includes regulatory support, financing, digital transformation and human capital development. Public administration should ensure not only the creation of favorable conditions for the implementation of openness policy, but also constant monitoring, feedback from citizens and adaptation to new challenges, including threats to information security in war conditions.