Smartening up to risk in electronic government

Abstract

This article identifies emerging risks in electronic government: the risk of government lagging behind a 'smart' society, where increasing proportions of citizens and businesses are accustomed to conduct their affairs electronically; risk involved in information technology outsourcing; and risk brought about by the integration of technology into governmental activities, particularly policy innovation. All three represent the introduction of risks more commonly associated with the private sector into government. For each of these three risk factors, the article suggests some potential strategies for dealing with them. First, government needs to use the capability of internet-based technologies to understand 'smart society' more fully. Second, the UK government in particular needs to develop a more relational style of contracting and learn from the sharp variations in contracting regimes across the world. Third, leaders of governmental organisations need to accept that digital technologies are now at the core of a wide range of their activities and adapt policy-making processes accordingly.