DigitalGovernance.org Initiative - Global

The DigitalGovernance.org Initiative uses technology to create and sustain a global, virtual community of people engaged in or interested in electronic governance ("e-governance") applications in developing countries. The project website is a key tool for disseminating information and sharing experiences. A definition of the concept of digital governance is provided, and several e-governance models - broadcasting model, critical flow model, comparative analysis model, e-advocacy model, and interactive service model - are delineated. Relevant information is provided in the form of case studies from developing countries, publications and other resources, and lists of links, events, and e-forums.

The initiative also involves providing consultative support on e-governance and ICT for development projects in several countries, including Egypt, India, Jordan, Mongolia, and Nigeria. The issues have been wide-ranging, and include the use of ICT in agriculture and governance projects; creation of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through ICT; setting up of telecentres; creation of knowledge networks and knowledge management models in developing countries; and the role of volunteers in ICT for development projects.

Another emphasis is on sharing project findings among network members as well as at various conferences and through guest lectures. Selected lessons learned to date include:

• E-governance must be viewed as a political process dealing with reform of governance toward good governance. Governance reform is a slow process that requires engaging with governance institutions and bringing about both attitudinal and constitutional changes.
• Where political will exists, electronic governance can catalyse the reform process toward good governance.
• In the absence of political will, the impact of e-governance models will be weak and may not lead to qualitative change in governance processes. In such cases, there will be far greater onus on civil society organisations to build strong citizens' movements to either create political will or to bring about a change inleadership.

As of this writing, organisers are expanding the network by inviting interested person worldwide to join "National E-Governance Networks". These networks will encourage national-level knowledge exchange and mentoring in setting up or supporting e-governance projects. In addition, a "Translators Network" will evaluate e-governance resources and provide information on the project website in different languages. Volunteer translators are sought.

Technology, Political Development.

Digital governance uses ICT to induce changes in the delivery and standards of governance services and in the way citizens interact and participate in the governance sphere. According to organisers, digital governance in developing countries implies that every community or village would have easy access to information available on the digital network and that no one would be excluded from accessing information on this network. If set up in this way, they say, the use of digital governance could transform governance from "representative" to "individual-based" and enable citizens to go from being "passive" to "pro-active".