Our research on Electronic Governance (e-Governance or EGOV) and Digital Transformation for inclusive, resilient, and sustainable societies. There are two broad outcomes that our research seeks to contribute to:
Firstly, to understand digital transformation and innovation for socio-economic development and inclusion, as well as to contribute to environmental sustainability. This outcome is expressed in the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The aim is to consolidate and exploit existing knowledge while also exploring new learning towards worldwide inclusion, development, sustainability, and security goals.
Secondly, to investigate the current and new e-Governance challenges for a resilient society. This objective is aligned with research requests and needs that arose from the global situation that started in 2020, notably the pandemic experience and the changes that societies and governments are living through.
UNU-EGOV's Core Research Programme 2020-2024 works towards outcomes via three independent research lines:
Digital governance, regulations and policies (Governance)
Technology is changing the world at a rapid pace, and governments have to keep up with its potential and challenges. How can digital tools enhance the way governments work and serve their citizens? How can they cope with the uncertainty and complexity of the digital era? We aim to help governments understand, adopt, and regulate digital technologies for better governance outcomes. By doing so, we contribute to the global efforts of building resilient and inclusive societies.
Digital Transformation, Innovation and Technologies (Technology)
Here we study how emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, or Quantum Computing, can create new opportunities and challenges for public services and decision-making. Looking at how social and engineering processes can support the effective and ethical adoption of these technologies is an important part of this research line.
Participation, People and Communities (People)
People are at the heart of e-Governance and Digital Transformation. In this research line, we look at issues such as poverty, inequality, insecurity, and exclusion, as well as happiness and well-being. It challenges the technology-centric vision that only focuses on efficiency and quality of life, and proposes a human-centered and cultural approach. While emphasizing equity and social inclusion as the core of research and policy work.