E-Government projects similar to any other project entails an clear strategy coupled with vision for achievement of stated benefits and goals for benefit of society and citizens at large.
A strategy is a method or plan chosen to bring about a desired future, such as achievement of a goal or solution to a problem. Hence, definition and clarity in both is crucial for any e-governance project. Strategy is a action plan for achieving the defined goals and objectives and acts as a road map to move from present state to desired state. Similarly, e-Governance Strategy is a action plan explaining the IT usage for achieving the stated goals and objectives. Hence, e-Governance strategy is needed to
- Provide direction and guidance in IT adoption
- Identify the measurable benefits due to IT usage
- Recognize the initiatives for achieving the stated benefits
- Approximate the resources required like manpower, finance, etc.
- Plan the resource utilization for leveraging maximum results
Key factors to consider for developing e-Governance strategy are
- Always keep focus on economic development
- The business goals and objectives have greater priority against any technology push
- Secure political and executive leadership support
- Ensuring stakeholder participation
Hence, the key elements in e-Governance Strategy, are illustrated as