A Comparative Analysis of Strategies for E-Government in Developing Countries
Abstract
The adoption of e-government and effective use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
has the potential to yield significant benefits in the developing countries. This study investigates strategies
to advance the use of ICT in the public sector in developing countries, with the aim of improving services
and outcomes for government and citizens. A multi-level framework for analysis was developed. A metaanalysis
of data gathered in a United Nations study of e-government readiness was performed, focussing
on the developing countries that have greatly improved their relative positions recently. In general, the
findings support the multi-level approach. At the national level, a low level of economic development, poor
infrastructure and political unrest are inhibitors of public sector ICT progress. At a base level, access by
individuals and organizations to ICT tools and IT-related education is necessary for e-government to be
feasible. Some strategies were observed to be linked to progress with e-government across a number of
developing countries, including leadership vision and willingness to initiate change within the government
sector, an incremental, step-by-step approach to development, and sensitivity to local and cultural needs.
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