Challenges and Opportunities for Developing a Successful E-Government

E-government initiatives aimed at raising the level of government performance in general, where the proper application of these initiatives lead to upgrade the governmental services provided to citizens and the private sector and enhance the effectiveness of government work internally, in addition to broadening the participation of citizens in decision-making process. However, many studies indicate that a large proportion of initiatives to implement E-government around the world did not succeed in achieving these promised goals. There are, in fact, global consensuses on the existence of the need for deeper studies to understand the real reasons behind this failure, but in spite of higher percentage E-government projects that failed to achieve its goals globally, the world is witnessing a comprehensive consensus recognizes that failed to achieve its goals globally, the world is witnessing a comprehensive consensus recognizes that there is still the possibility of E-government initiatives to fulfill their all promises, but the underlying potential of these initiatives will only be achieved through access to a better understanding of the obstacles they faced and therefore to work out ways to overcome these obstacles. The most challenges that are expected to be faced during the implementation of an E-government program have been summarized below. 

1. Infrastructure Development: All countries implementing E-government have struggled to develop a basic infrastructure to take advantage of new technologies and communications tools. Many developing countries, even if possessing the will, do not have the infrastructure necessary to immediately deploy E-government services throughout their territory. 

Recommendations: 

• Develop projects that are compatible with the nation’s telecom infrastructure. 
• Introduce telecom competition and lift regulation on wireless and other digital technologies to accelerate their deployment. 
• Consider the government’s current use of technology and learn from past success and failures. 
• Establish and action framework at the beginning of the process to allow for a rational and coordinated investment effort downs the road. 

2. Law and Public Policy: The application of information Technology and Communication (ICT) to government may encounter legal or policy barriers. Legislatures must ensure the laws are updated to recognize electronic documents and transactions. Policy makers implementing E-government must consider the impact of law and public policy. 

Recommendations: 

• Consult with stakeholders to access how existing laws may impede the desired results. 
• Give legal status to online publication of government information. 
• Clarify laws and regulations to allow electronic filings with government agencies. 
• Reform processes by simplifying regulations and procedures. 

3. Digital Divide: The digital divide is the gap between people who have access to the Internet and those who do not. Those without access cannot access information that can provide economic opportunities, and cannot share in the benefits of E-government. 

Recommendations: 

•  Provide communal access through village computer centers. 
•  Combine access with training. 
•  Provide incentives to the private sector to donate equipment and training. 
•  Emphasize local language and content tailored to different communities. 
•  Use for-profit entrepreneurs to build and sustain access points in small communities. 

4. E-Literacy: E- Literacy refers to marginalized groups who are unable to make use of information and communication technologies because they are not computer literate. With the digital revolution there is a very real danger that the world will be divided into the “information rich” and the “information poor”. E-government has the potential of either equalizing access to government and its services or increasing the barriers to participation. 

Recommendations: 

•  Ensure that content is in local languages and that interfaces are easy to use. 
•  Develop applications that use speech or pictures in addition to, or instead of, written text. 
•  Include and educational component in E-government projects. 
•  Create programs that include traditional media, like radio programs or newspaper columns, where citizens can learn about E-government. 
•  Special attention should be given to groups difficult to integrate (women, elderly, immigrants).

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