Interactive Corruption Cases Database
The problem we are trying to address is a lack of reliable and comprehensive information on corruption in Italy. The context is national, but could easily be extended to an international scenario, and is aimed at the individual citizen in order to enhance awareness, accountability and an active citizenship. The targeted audience are engaged citizens, such as students, but the simple use of the tool should allow any citizen with basic computer skills to access it. The idea is based on a website containing a database allowing for regular data entry, by TI-Italy staff, as well as the development of a specific web tool which permits a public access through a research engine and an interactive mapping of relevant cases (using Google map functions).
The database should contain information on factors such as the time and location where the corrupt act has taken place, its economic impact, the entities involved (fiscal persons/companies), involved institutions (municipality/political party/etc), the current state of the case (investigation, degree of trial), an eventual conclusion (absolution, conviction, prescription), the verdict given (sanctions, etc) as well as tags (green economy, oil sector, etc) which will allow each case to be easily identified in the online database search. A crucial characteristic of the DB engine is a modern, simple and fresh design that enhances its attractiveness and user-friendliness in order to raise awareness and make info available to a wider public.
