The World Bank New-Economy Sector Study Electronic Government and Governance: Lessons for Argentina Paper Prepared by Roberto Panzardi

What is E-Government?

E-government is a label that has been used to describe a wide range of applications and objectives. It is the pragmatic use of the most innovative information and communication technologies, like the Internet, to deliver efficient and cost effective Government services, information and knowledge. It is also an unequivocal commitment by decision makers to strengthening the partnership between private citizens and the public sector.

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  Delivering government services directly to citizens in their homes.
  
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  Using the web to purchase necessary products and services in a more timely and cost-effective manner.
  
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  Conducting virtual town hall meetings to allow representatives to communicate with their constituencies.
  
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  Using large national networks to link agencies and share information.
  
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  Using electronic polling and voting.
  
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  Creating intergovernmental networks to coordinate global issues.
  

Countries have begun to recognize the emergence of e-government as a potential to reshape the public sector and build relationships between citizens and the government. E-government differs from the basic tenets of ICT (computerization and connectivity) by adding an element of interaction with citizens or the private sector, enhancing transparency, and providing “voice” for those outside the government.

Principles for Success

In order to ensure that countries avoid creating a digital divide and create conditions to ensure that growth of the knowledge economy contributes to carrying out a democratic process of efficient, equitable and sustainable development, expanded dialogue and new patterns of cooperation among public, private ad civil society organizations are needed. This is why some principles should be followed whenever any layer of government engages in networking its services:

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  Use technology as an enabler. Public sector modernization objectives must be the starting point, using ICT as an enabler and not an end in itself. It is not of use to improve the efficiency of functions that the public sector should not be performing.
  

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  Take into account current realities. Electronic government projects must show sensitivity to the realities of the countries and local communities with respect to their culture, values, structures and infrastructure.
  

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  Participative process. It should focus on a participative process involving key stakeholders (users, operators, beneficiaries) to increase chances of success.
  

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  Keep it simple. Networking government services must advance step by step.
  

The Roles of Government

The multiple roles of government, at all levels, must be recognized and understood if it is to be effective in this partnership involving access to information and communication technology. In effect, government

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  Uses information and information/communication technology provided by the private sector for public administration;
  
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  Produces public information to which citizens must have access;
  

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  Has the authority to establish marketplace rules and establish regulatory structures that ensure that everyone participates and benefits form growth of the knowledge economy.
  

There is an inextricable relationship between the government role as a user of information and communication technology, and its capacity to formulated public policy for the knowledge economy. Governments that learn how to use these technologies to operate more efficiently and improve public services are more likely to effectively stimulate and contribute to the knowledge economy public policy debate. Online delivery of services benefits both government and its constituents as well as it lowers costs and make services more accessible.

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