The Next Step after Electronic, Mobile and Ubiquitous? Reflections on E-Government’s Technological Optimism
Don-Yun Chen*
Abstract
In most of the nations, e-government policy is one of the rare policy domains where there are few value conflicts but many positive reports as people have a high expectation of it. This almost dream-like environment has been driving government to invest more resources into e-government but also reveals a collective mentality of “Technological Optimism” where there might be gap between expectation and reality.
The purpose of this paper is first to clarify the concept of technological optimism regarding e-government policy. Then, following a technology enactment model created by Jane E. Fountain to theoretically bridge the possible gap between the optimistic expectation and enacting reality, the author claims that those designing and implementing e-government policies should not focus only on pursuing new technologies.
Secondly, the author is presenting five-point reflections for both researchers and practitioners in the e-government circle to increase the possibilities of technology-enacted changes. They are: (1) Is the e-government policy demand-driven? (2) Is the e-government policy cost-effective? (3) Is the support of human resources sufficient for the e-government transformation? (4) Are the e-government-related rules and regulations changed as well? (5) Is program evaluation of the e-government plan comprehensive?
Lastly, the author is introducing a concept of “digital maturity” to make the final point that the digital reengineering in e-government policies should include three strategic focuses: (1) they should be incorporated with digital intelligence; (2) the reform progress should be centered upon the users; (3) changes should be effected in step with the degree of digital maturity in government organizations. Hopefully, the efforts of e-government policy can bring about an agency-wide change of governance by focusing on the customers, tapping into the potential of data, and arousing a passionate work spirit.
Keywords: technological optimism, information and communication technologies (ICTs), e-government, government organization, digital state
* Professor, Department of Public Administration, National Chengchi University; Researcher, Taiwan E-Governance Research Center. Research interests: Democratic governance, e-governance, bureaucratic politics, public policy analysis and management, national health insurance policy. email: donc@nccu.edu.tw.