[1] eGovernment - the Regional Dimension

The role of public administrations have been undergoing significant change with some functions or services being privatised and semi-privatised (the creation of Public Private Partnerships). Administrations have also seen rapid change in the organisation and delivery of public services; this has been primarily due to the adoption and implementation of Information Communication Technologies.

The restructuring of public administrations facilitated by the adoption of ICTs is being driven by Information Society drivers including eGovernment (intra-governmental, G2C, G2B) including interactive communication with the public, inter and intra public administration networks and communication channels, e-procurement and knowledge management systems. The adoption and delivery of improved and new services has enabled public administrations to be more efficient, provide higher levels of service, minimise red tape and improve the quality of communication and interaction with the public.

The quality and nature of the network between administration, business, individual citizens and the wider community and social networks is integral to the development of a cohesive and inclusive regional network. The growing connection between administration and the public (business and citizen), which often takes place at the local and regional level through lower tier government agencies and bodies, provides the mechanism for bottom-up or grass root initiatives to inform government planning and decision making processes.

Measuring the degree to which European regions are building new and improving existing links with the local community and business through interactive e-government services and breaking down access barriers and improving the efficiency of their government to citizen and government to government relationships will be fundamental to the growth and support of regional development (economic and social) and for developing a regional identity.