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Chapter 14: E-Government Tools and Technologies
In this Chapter:
The value of e-Government can be limited by disparities in access to ICTs and digital literacy. Poorer people and residents of rural areas and other disadvantaged communities are less likely to have Internet access, less likely to be e-Literate, and therefore less likely to make use of electronic information and services. In addition, citizens with some form of physical disability are also at risk of being left behind, unless their needs are specifically addressed in e-Government strategies. Addressing equity issues throughout the planning and implementation of e-Government projects can help ensure that traditionally marginalized citizens will benefit from online services, rather than becoming further isolated from the digital economy.
In its 2005 Global E-Government Readiness Report, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) placed special emphasis on the concept of “e-inclusion:” promoting “real access” to ICTs such that those with low income, women, disadvantaged groups and those living in rural areas are systematically included in the impending benefits from newer technologies and their empowering potential for all groups. The new focus demonstrates a shift from a sole focus on technology to a focus on equity in economic, educational, social and cultural opportunities. See UNDESA, “Global E-government Readiness Report 2005: From E-government to E-inclusion” (2005).
The value of e-Government can be limited by disparities in access to ICTs and digital literacy. Poorer people and residents of rural areas and other disadvantaged communities are less likely to have Internet access, less likely to be e-Literate, and therefore less likely to make use of electronic information and services. In addition, citizens with some form of physical disability are also at risk of being left behind, unless their needs are specifically addressed in e-Government strategies. Addressing equity issues throughout the planning and implementation of e-Government projects can help ensure that traditionally marginalized citizens will benefit from online services, rather than becoming further isolated from the digital economy.
In its 2005 Global E-Government Readiness Report, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) placed special emphasis on the concept of “e-inclusion:” promoting “real access” to ICTs such that those with low income, women, disadvantaged groups and those living in rural areas are systematically included in the impending benefits from newer technologies and their empowering potential for all groups. The new focus demonstrates a shift from a sole focus on technology to a focus on equity in economic, educational, social and cultural opportunities. See UNDESA, “Global E-government Readiness Report 2005: From E-government to E-inclusion” (2005).