This paper is a brief introduction to the notion of `e-governance,' which the author defines as a set of technology-mediated processes that are changing both the delivery of public services and the broader interactions between citizens and government.
Evidence for the impact of these changes is currently weak, partly because it is fairly early in the process and partly because many governmental systems are more adept at measuring internal processes than external effects. Nevertheless, the author tries where possible to give `real life' examples of the changes being brought about by e-governance, based on our extensive work both in the UK and elsewhere.
The paper will look briefly at the notion of `e-governance', which we see as part of broader efforts to modernise government. We use the terms `e-governance,' rather than `e-government' to capture the notion of changed institutional relationships and the involvement of partners, both from civil society and business, in e-governance. E-government refers more narrowly to processes of national, local or regional government. We will propose three `models' of e-governance that are currently operating - though we accept that national e-governance efforts may combine elements from one or more model. We will then look at examples of public service delivery and at how e-governance is changing, or has the potential to change, the democratic landscape. In conclusion, we will look at the weaknesses in the current approach and at how it may change in future.
