The Emergence of Digital Government: International Perspectives

Abstract

This chapter gives an overview of the extent to which e-government has been adopted internationally by reviewing major comparative studies and case studies by international organizations. The characteristics of the five stages of e-government — emerging, enhanced, interactive, transactional, and seamless are outlined and international examples of the innovative practices and potential obstacles faced. Of particular interest are studies on countries that have implemented transactional e-government strategies with service-delivery to citizens as the main priority. Currently adoption of e-government strategies worldwide is varied; however, many countries are making rapid progress in implementing their strategies.