Introduction: Searching upon the Limits of E-Government and E-Participation—a Systemic Appraisal

Society As A Network Of Information

Individuals who ventured to make sense of the changes happening in our societies in the 80s and 90s talked about the emergence of a new paradigm for society: That of a network. What they meant was that a society (national, regional, local or global) could be conceived of as a network of flows of information. Such network was de-centering traditional centers of power in organizations. It was supposed to open space for the emergence of new forms of organizations. De-centering of power was possible because information could now flow instantly through different and geographically spread physical locations, and ultimately through different groups of individuals.

Through history we are used to think of society in terms of flows of resources, influences, relations with governments and power. However and recently, information and communication technologies were greatly contributing to a shift in our understanding of society as a network of information. Technologies have contributed to enhance information exchange as well as generate economic opportunities. With them not only there would be the possibility for societies to facilitate the creation and exchange of information anywhere as a capability to leverage economic growth. Technological change then leads to change the nature of job structures, consumer behavior and ultimately institutional arrangements (Perez, 1983)