Generally speaking, e-government can be referred to as the use and application of information and communication technology (ICT) in public administration to streamline and integrate workflows and processes, to effectively manage data and information, enhance the public service delivery, as well as expand communication channels for engagement and empowerment of the people. In other words, e-government is based on the utilization of ICT and its application by the government for the convenient and timely provision of information and public services for the people. E-Government holds tremendous potential to improve the way that governments deliver public services and enhance a broad range of stakeholder involvement in public service. E-government and innovation can provide significant opportunities to transform the quantity and quality of public administration in a creative and sustainable manner. Based on the best and good practices from around the world and Asia in particular, effective e-government development depends on strong political will, collaborative leadership and new governance frameworks to support and manage a citizen-centric service delivery model, including a national ICT policy and e-government strategy, as well as strengthening institutions and building the capacities of public servants. In addition, policy advice on e-government from the academic community could become a promoting factor for further development of e-government in the Asian public sector. Therefore, AAPA is excited to announce the call for the development of an E-Government Study Group.

The theme of the AAPA E-Government Study Group is particularly relevant to research the multi-faceted and complex challenges that many Asian countries face today. Due to a number of factors, there are wide disparities among regions and countries in the state of their e-government development as observed throughout the world and Asia in particular. However, a group study on e-government could narrow down such a gap and enhance the degree of mutual understanding and further cooperation for the development of e-government. The E-Government Study Group will be operated by the AAPA members and form a focal point for academicians, professionals, graduate students, fellows, and associates pursuing research throughout the Asian countries. The Study Group aims to explore the latest developments in e-government as well as translating related theories for practice and practice into theory. The Study Group on E-Government is pursuing research into various issues on e-government and the following issues are selective issues as an example: (1) e-government development strategy; (2) a whole-of-government strategy; (3) one-stop service; (4) open government data; (5) multi-channel service delivery; (6) e-participation and e-decision making; (7) digital divide and policy for vulnerable groups; and (8) expanding usage and applications, etc. If you are interested in joining this study group, please do not hesitate to contact the Coordinator of the Study Group on E-Government: Professor Choong-Sik Chung at cschung@ks.ac.kr.