Executive Summary

As will be shown in this paper, much of the literature in the academic world reflects the important dichotomies between how developed countries approach e-government and the obstacles facing developing countries. In summary, the challenge that developing Commonwealth countries face is that many of them still do not have either the advanced industries or the financial wherewithal to duplicate in all respects what their fellow members have achieved in the more developed countries. At the same time, however, public expectations are building to the same extent as they have elsewhere regarding the desire to modernize governments and their service delivery. Such a discrepancy, which sets the growing desire for change against the financial constraints on implementation, faces the Commonwealth system with a unique dilemma.

Follow these links to read the entire document:  

Click here to read the PDF document  (October 2006)
Click here to read as a Word document 

Click here to return to the selection of research papers

Thomas B. Riley, Executive Director, of the Commonwealth Centre for e-Governance, is available for speaking engagements and facilitating workshops on a series of issues surrounding e-governance , public administrations and information policies world wide. Contact info here