E-Government

The course examines the main opportunities offered by new technologies for governments’ actions. The use of the Internet and other communication technologies in order to provide information and services to citizens, businesses, and other public organizations will be discussed, along with the implications for government efficiency, transparency, communication, service delivery and engagement with citizens. It will also tackle how international organizations and NGOs could leverage on ICTs. 

The course also addresses emergent topics such as digital public infrastructures and blockchain.

The course is organized in formal (ex-cathedra) lessons complemented by case studies, testimonials, assignments and interactive discussions.

Readings:

• Cantoni, L., Tardini, S. (2006). Internet. New York: Routledge (pp. 171-174).
• De Ascaniis, S., Cantoni, L. (eds.), Handbook on Heritage, Sustainable Tourism and Digital Media, Elgar 2022, https://www.e-elgar.com/shop/gbp/handbook-on-heritage-sustainable-tourism-and-digital-media-9781788970075.html (specific pages will be indicated)
• Eaves, D., Mazzucato, M., & Vasconcellos, B. (2024). Digital public infrastructure and public value: What is ‘public ’about DPI?. Working Paper Series (IIPP WP) 2024-05). UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose: London, UK; https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10196645/
• Janowski, Tomasz (2015). From electronic governance to policydriven electronic governance – evolution of technology use in government. In L. Cantoni & J.A. Danowski (eds.) Communication and Technology, Berlin: De Gruyter Mouton.
• Juell-Skielse, G., Lönn, C. M., & Päivärinta, T. (2017). Modes of collaboration and expected benefits of inter-organizational E-government initiatives: A multi-case study. Government Information Quarterly, 34(4), 578-590.
• Kalbaska, N., Janowski, T., Estevez, E., Cantoni, L. (2017). When digital government matters for tourism: a stakeholder analysis. Information Technology & Tourism 17 (3): 315–333
• Lichfield, G. (2025) Public AI infrastructure: What is it, do we need it and will it ever be built? A media leader explains. World economic forum. Genève, Switzerland; https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/02/public-ai-infrastructure-a-media-leader-explains/
• McDermott, P. (2010). Building open government. Government Information Quarterly, 27(4), 401-413.
• McGee, R. (2019). Rethinking accountability: a power perspective. In Power, empowerment and social change (pp. 50-67). Routledge.
• Michener, G., & Bersch, K. (2013). Identifying transparency. Information Polity, 18(3), 233-242.
• Mugellini, G., Villeneuve, J. P., & Heide, M. (2021). Monitoring sustainable development goals and the quest for high‐quality indicators: Learning from a practical evaluation of data on corruption. Sustainable development, 29(6), 1257-1275.
• Naranjo-Zolotov, M., Oliveira, T., & Casteleyn, S. (2018). Citizens’ intention to use and recommend e-participation: Drawing upon UTAUT and citizen empowerment. Information Technology & People, 32(2), 364-386.
• Serdült, U., Hofmann, G., & Vayenas, C. (2022, October). Introducing the DigiPart-Index: Mapping and explaining digital political participation on the subnational level in Switzerland. In Proceedings of the 15th International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance (pp. 229-236).

Other relevant readings will be provided on the first day of the course through the course syllabus.

• Gain an in-depth understanding of the opportunities offered by new technologies for government actions. 
• Learn about the implications, challenges, and benefits of the digital transformation process in different sectors of public administrations through testimonials.
• Become aware of legal issues related to the collection and use of data by state agencies and the access to government data
• Apply the theory and develop communication skills through a group project 

In presenza

The course is organized in formal (ex-cathedra) lessons complemented by case studies and testimonials.

The assessment will consist of an oral exam and a short assignment.