Technology

Electronic Governance is based on the capabilities of digital technologies, including emerging technologies. Understanding these capabilities and how they might support and transform governance is the focus of the second research line: Digital transformation, innovation and technologies. This research line investigates the technologies, their introduction and application, and the impacts and outcomes of efforts to transform government and public service delivery digitally.

This research line examines the potential of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Blockchain, the Internet of Things, Big Data, and Quantum Computing for improving e-Governance and the digital transformation of government. This research concerns how to harness such technologies to engineer new and innovative ways of serving citizens through faster, more efficient and collaborative approaches, supported by more transparent, evidence-based decision-making processes. However, it also seeks to deepen our knowledge of tried and tested digital technologies that can improve governance and support the development of smart cities and smart governance.

In addition to understanding the technologies, it is also essential to examine the combination of social and engineering processes required and the impacts of technology adoption and use. A better understanding of when and how to implement technology innovations is vital to promote their responsible use and improve the likely outcomes. The goal is to ensure that digital technologies are effectively deployed to support countries in their development aims, as well as to enable them to “leapfrog” to higher levels of transformation.