Why is e-Government important? PDF Print E-mail

“The impact of e-government at the broadest level is simply better government –  

e-government is more about government than the “e”. It enables better policy outcomes, higher quality services and greater engagement of citizens” (OECD – The e-government imperative).

 

E-Government includes the capacity and the willingness of the public sector to deploy ICT for improving knowledge and information in the service of the citizens (Global e-govt readiness report 2005)

"E-Government refers to the use by government agencies of information technologies (such as Wide Area Networks, the Internet, and mobile computing) that have the ability to transform relations with citizens, businesses, and other arms of government.

 

The impact or outcomes of e-Government are as follows:

  • better delivery of government services to citizens,

  • improved interactions with business and industry,

  • citizen empowerment through access to information, or more efficient government management.

 

The WSIS Plan of Action lays emphasis on the implementation of e-Government by addressing it under C7 as follows:

  • Implement e-government strategies focusing on applications aimed at innovating and promoting transparency in public administrations and democratic processes, improving efficiency and strengthening relations with citizens.

  • Develop national e-government initiatives and services, at all levels, adapted to the needs of citizens and business, to achieve a more efficient allocation of resources and public goods.

  • Support international cooperation initiatives in the field of e-government, in order to enhance transparency, accountability and efficiency at all levels of government.

e-government is central to the work and purpose of the public sector and the public policy process as it impacts the larger concerns of public sector reform, democratic renewal and the changing role of government in the knowledge economy.

E-government is synonymous with what government itself is about – orchestrating and sometimes leading the creation of public value by putting individuals, families and communities at the centre of responsive networks of knowledge, service, trust and accountability – (citizen centered, external focus)

Opportunities include: cost reduction and efficiency gains; improved quality of service delivery; increased capacity of government; and improved transparency and accountability – (internal transformation)

 

The WSIS Plan of Action lays emphasis on the implementation of e-Government by addressing it under C7 as follows:

  • Implement e-government strategies focusing on applications aimed at innovating and promoting transparency in public administrations and democratic processes, improving efficiency and strengthening relations with citizens.

  • Develop national e-government initiatives and services, at all levels, adapted to the needs of citizens and business, to achieve a more efficient allocation of resources and public goods.

  • Support international cooperation initiatives in the field of e-government, in order to enhance transparency, accountability and efficiency at all levels of government.