Framework of Analysis and Recognition of Issues

Chapter 9 - Electronic Government in Japan: IT Utilization Status of Local Governments
Managing IT in Government, Business & Communities
by Gerry Gingrich (ed)
Idea Group Publishing 2003

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Framework of Analysis and Recognition of Issues

To realize electronic local governments with high organizational performance, it is necessary to draw up plans for the digitalization of governmental administration based on clear strategies of the local governments, and to digitalize internal organizations and services for residents. At the same time, to promote digitalization, information disclosure and a driving body are indispensable. Furthermore, overcoming various impediments to the realization of electronic local governments is another important issue (see Figure 1).

Figure 1: System of Analysis

We would like to address the following five issues. First, it seems necessary to draw up plans for digitalization, but is it really necessary? Does the formulation and revision of plans significantly affect the movement of the national electronic government? Second, digitalization can be roughly separated into the digitalization of organizations to improve their internal efficiency and digitalization to improve services for residents. What is the status of progress for each? Third, what is the present state of progress on information disclosure to improve residents' democracy and to facilitate residents' participation? Fourth, has the driving body to support digitalization been prepared? And last, what are the impediments to the promotion of digitalization?

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