Electronic government and the French state: A negotiated and gradual reform

Abstract

In France, electronic administration has become an emblem of State and Civil service modernization. For a better understanding of the way in which Information Technology (IT) has gradually become part of the somewhat traditional effort at French State modernization, this paper will analyse the processes involved in the construction of a complete and coherent project. The in-depth study of public reports and interviews carried out with main actors involved in the reform shows the hazards of the process. Revealing the ways and means in which IT has an influence on modernization enhances understanding of the nature of the changes sought. This paper provides an opportunity to take into account the players' viewpoints, starting with unresolved issues and the tensions resulting from the reforms. The final part of the paper focuses on the so-called Bercy reforms.