The future of e-government: Investigating the truth about technology and the public sector

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds his/her own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

For many, the term “e-government” has become a contradiction in terms, such are the number of high-profile cases of technology solutions failing to be delivered by national and local governments alike. Whether it is problems with electronic voting, failure to implement a national identity database or simply running over budget due to increasing IT costs, the media seems to delight in reporting such issues. It has to be said that “IT system implemented on budget and on time” is hardly the most engaging headline, so many success stories are probably simply ignored or go unreported, but there is nevertheless a feeling that the public sector has real problems when it comes to IT delivery.

Practical implications

This paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Citation

(2021), "The future of e-government: Investigating the truth about technology and the public sector", Development and Learning in Organizations, Vol. 35 No. 2, pp. 25-27. https://doi.org/10.1108/DLO-02-2020-0045