Hi,
A Google or Bing on the subject will yield a wide plethora of definitions; many of them surprisingly different; each genre facilitating a unique emphasis or perspective.
Some definitions tend towards focusing more on the technology used, others look towards societal aspects and yet others give more weight to the supporting business processes.
Coming up with a balanced definition that considers not only the diversity of perspectives but one that also is up to date with current research and development is challenging to say the least.
Nonetheless, here's my tuppence worth on formulating a definition on e-government that strives to meet these criteria to some degree.
"E-Government is the use of technology (Internet, portals, mobile computing and so on) to provide innovative platforms for Citizens (G2C), Businesses (G2B), Visitors (G2V), peer Government agencies (G2G) and so on to interact and communicate better."
Some of the benefits therefore that may be accrued from e-Government may be outlined as follows:
- Increased transparency as users (citizens, businesses etc.) can directly log into electronic systems to track and manage their requests without relying upon human actors thru every step of the process flow.
- Greater empowerment of citizens thanks to access to the information, new channels of communication and a multitude of automated e-services.
- Improved security as requests and information are held on secure and managed networks.
- A consequent decrease in corruption overall.
Despite these advantages, there are numerous barriers that continue to pose a challenge to the more widespread use of e-Government. These include the following:
- The digital divide where people simply do not have the access to the requisite technologies that access to e-Government services needs.
- The knowledge divide; many services mandate a particular level of literacy and PC know-how to avail e-government services. There is a dearth of IT skills in some geographies and also in segments of society who may be greatly in need of the particular e-service.
- Disproportionate Internet connectivity across countries and areas within a country (city vs. rural for instance).
Research continues to highlight dilient approaches for addressing these areas and astute governments are already making headway. No doubt this trend will continue to enhance maturity levels until the gap is reduced even further.
Your feedback us welcome; musabqureshi4@yahoo.co.uk.
Best regards,
Musab Qureshi
