Digital Government and Public Management : Generating Public Sector Innovation at the Crossroads of Research and Practice

In every part of the world information and technology are changing society and challenging the structures, roles, and management of traditional government institutions. At the same time, universal needs for human and social development, environmental protection, commercial and financial stability, and scientific and technological advancement demand governmental attention.

In this complex and changing environment, governments are still expected to provide for the public good through legal and political processes, and public programs and services. Digital transformation, electronic government, government 2.0, and electronic governance are just some of the labels used to characterize the ideas and actions that underlie adaptation, transformation, and reform efforts. This book contributes to the ongoing dialog within the digital government research and practice community by addressing leadership and management challenges through the interplay of five interconnected themes: management, policy, technology, data, and context. These themes are evident in a wide range of topics including policy informatics, smart cities, cross-boundary information sharing, service delivery, and open government, among others. Accordingly, it includes chapters that explore these themes conceptually and empirically and that emphasize the importance of context, the need for cross‐boundary thinking and action, a public value approach to performance, and the multi‐dimensional capabilities necessary to succeed in a dynamic, multi‐stakeholder environment.

The chapters in this book were originally published as a special issue of the journal, Public Management Review.

J. Ramon Gil-Garcia is Director of the Center for Technology in Government and Associate Professor of Public Administration and Policy, University at Albany, SUNY. He has published extensively and some of his publications are among the most cited in the field of digital government research worldwide.

Sharon S. Dawes is Professor Emerita of Public Administration and Policy at the University at Albany, SUNY. She was instrumental in creating the field of digital government in her roles as founding Director of the Center for Technology in Government and first President of the Digital Government Society.

Theresa A. Pardo is Associate Vice President for Research and Full Research Professor of Public Administration and Policy, University at Albany, SUNY. She is a member of the National Academy of Public Administration and among the most cited authors in the field of digital government research.