The role of information and communication technologies in public policy formulation

The process of public policy-making involves identifying any problem encountered in society and bringing it to the government's agenda with the aim of finding a solution. It is formulated based on various proposals from public institutions, and it is implemented after reaching a consensus on a solution path. Finally, the implemented decision is evaluated. Within this scope, this study examines the formulation stage, which is one of the important steps in the public policy-making process, where proposals and alternatives are presented and shaped. It evaluates the role of information and communication technologies in this context. The aim of the study is to highlight the impacts of information and communication technologies on public policy formulation and the problems encountered as a result, through a literature review method. In the first two sections of the study, the concepts of public policy and information and communication technologies are examined in the context of the literature. The last section includes applications, policies, decision-making processes, and the role of information and communication technologies in these concepts. According to the results obtained within the scope of the study, it is observed that the use of information and communication technologies in public policy formulation creates a new momentum for reliable, accurate data and the verifiability of this data. As a result, transaction costs are significantly reduced, providing ease of access and increasing the quality of policy services. Additionally, the use of e-democracy applications in both central and local government structures during policy formulation and decision-making processes has led to significant changes in the relationship between the government and citizens. Key words: Public Policy, Information and Communication Technologies, Formulation, e-government