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Analogous to e-commerce, which allows businesses to transact with each other more efficiently (B2B) and brings customers closer to businesses (B2C), e-government aims to make the interaction between government and citizens (G2C), government and business enterprises (G2B), government and its employees (G2E) and inter-agency relationships (G2G) more friendly, convenient, transparent, and inexpensive.
E-commerce has evolved already through four stages: 1) publishing, 2) interactivity, 3) completing transactions, and 4) delivery. To date, most e-government activity has centered on publishing and there are vast differences among countries in the maturity of their e-government effort. One of the most promising aspects of e-government is its ability to bring citizens closer to their governments. While the technology to facilitate this connection is widely available, many government sites have not taken full advantage of its benefits in developing countries. Hence, at least, governments could get involved in:
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Information and services in two ways – G2C and C2G;
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Regulation of information networks, certification and taxation networks;
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Activities related to government oversight, transparency and monitoring;
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Distance learning and digital literacy;
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Dissemination of culture and expanded appreciation of local identities;
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E-procurement; and
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Fostering e-business.
Figure 1
Countries worldwide have embraced e-government to achieve three distinct goals
Reduce costs by eliminating paperwork and improving processes
Enhance collaboration and knowledge sharing within Government
Convenient: 24x7 self-service
Customized: tailored to citizens’ specific needs
Consistent: predictable and reliable
Create attractive environment for foreign investment in the country
Increase access of national businesses to the world economy and markets
Source: World Bank – LAC PREM – October 18, 2001 – Power Point Presentation “E-Government for Development Countries, by Booz, Allen & Hamilton.
Figure 2
Governments must develop a framework to target
the right opportunities & maximize impact
Traditional Government
Functions
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G2G
Ministry to Ministry
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G2C
Ministry to Citizen
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G2B
Ministry to Business
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Commerce
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Central Purchase Direct System
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Online Consumer Complaint
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Central E-Payment System
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Education
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Online Computer Training Registration System
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Online Academic
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Online Business Development
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Finance & Treasury
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Online Financial Record Database
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E-Filing of Taxes
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Online Competitive Bid Processing System
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Labor
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Online Job Applications Network
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Interactive Employer-Employee
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Online Visa Renewal System
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Transportation
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Mass Transit Database
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Online Road Conditions System
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Online Toll & Fare Database
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Health & Human
Services
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Online Compensation
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Online Welfare and Social Security
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Online Demographic Databases
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Motivation
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Efficiency
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Customer Satisfaction
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Economic Growth
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