overviewone-governance.docVIP

Overview on E-governance (Working paper) Prepared in the Framework of the ICT Cross-Cutting Project “ICTs as Tools for Improving Local Governance” Compiled by : Ximena Castro Sardi Kristina Mlikota November 2002 Table of Contents I. Defining the terms: From governance to e-governance 3 II. Global and regional trends of e-governance development 6 III. ICT tools for good governance 7 IV. Examples of e-governance implementation 10 VI. Conclusion and recommendations for the successful implementation of e-governance 20 V. References 22  I. Defining the terms: From governance to e-governance e-Governance lies at the heart of two global shifts: the information revolution and the governance revolution. Both shifts are changing the way society works and the way that society is governed. (Richard Heeks, 1999) Governance is a process by which individuals and institutions, public and private, manage their common affairs. It refers to the interaction between the public sector and civil society for collective decision making. Initially the concept of governance emerged and was applied in the urban context to cope more efficiently with local problem solving. In subsequent decades, the governance model was gradually applied at the central government level. It was also extended to transnational problems, as global governance (Kazancigil, 1998). It is at the local level that the governance model is more applicable since the relationship of citizens and local authorities tends to be one based on proximity and mutual concern given that the direct interests at stake of both parties is clearly visible. Citizens feel concerned and interested in the performance of local governments, because it has a clearly visible impact on their everyday lives. At the local level various issues of direct interest to citizens, ranging from practical services to environmental issues and city planning are discussed. Similarly local gov