Electronic Government, an International Journal (20 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Enhancing personal data protection: a comparative study of legal frameworks in Kazakhstan, European Union, and China  
  by Gulbakyt Bolatbekkyzy 
  Abstract: The study aims to address the lacuna in the existing literature regarding the intersection of digital practices with domestic legal norms, particularly in the realm of personal data protection. Research findings identify legal gaps and limitations in current legislation on personal data protection in Kazakhstan and by utilising various research methodologies, including general scientific, specific approaches and comparative analysis across different jurisdictions, such as the EU and China, offers tangible insights for government agencies and corporations. Discussing the basic purpose of specific principles of legislation and the need of legislative consolidation of their content are what make this research practical. The unique legal concepts pertaining to the safeguarding of personal information have not received much attention in Kazakh legal scholarship, along with that absence of the comprehensive comparative analysis on the existing international frameworks with extraterritorial reach makes this article scientifically significant.
  Keywords: protection of personal data; GDPR; PIPL; legislation principles; extraterritorial scope; Kazakhstan; legal regulation.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2026.10076649
   
  
• Availability and accessibility of internet financial reporting: the role of regional effect  
  by Agus Budiatmanto, Doddy Setiawan, Sri Hartoko, Taufiq Arifin, Aulia M. Fitriani 
  Abstract: Internet financial reporting (IFR) has shown its advantage in promoting government financial transparency by providing better access to financial information. However, IFR implementation in Indonesia remains voluntary due to the absence of regulation that enforces IFR application in government financial reporting. Drawing empirical evidence from IFR implementations in 122 local governments at municipality and city level in Java and Bali, this research aims to examine the effect of regional characteristics on IFR availability and accessibility. The result suggests that debt and financial dependency negatively affect the government IFR. Moreover, the result suggests IFR accessibility is a conditioning factor in the decision to provide IFR by local governments in Indonesia.
  Keywords: internet financial reporting; IFR; government financial report; Indonesia.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2026.10076944
   
  
• To embrace cloud or not: a framework for investigating the determinants and benefits of government cloud computing  
  by Ammar Salamh Alrawahna, Yousef-Awwad Daraghmi, Amro Alzghoul , Farah Abudabaseh 
  Abstract: The adoption of cloud computing in the public sector presents a transformative opportunity for improving service delivery, operational efficiency, and digital governance — especially in developing countries. This study investigates the key determinants influencing CC adoption in Jordanian government agencies and examines how these factors contribute to enhancing e-government performance. Drawing on the technology-organisation-environment (TOE) framework, the study proposes a hierarchical reflective-formative model incorporating five critical dimensions: risk (comprising security, complexity, and vendor lock-in), trust (in both providers and technology), cost (cost-saving and perceived costliness), compatibility, and relative advantage. Data were collected from 131 IT professionals across Jordanian public institutions and analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The findings reveal that risk factors significantly and negatively affect adoption decisions, while trust and compatibility are strong positive predictors. Cost-related concerns were not statistically significant. Although relative advantage did not influence adoption directly, it had a meaningful impact on perceived net benefits in e-government performance. These results highlight that government agencies prioritise institutional trust and technological alignment over financial considerations. The study contributes to the theoretical discourse on digital innovation in the public sector and offers practical insights for policymakers seeking to accelerate digital transformation through cloud-enabled governance.
  Keywords: e-government performance; government cloud computing determinants; cloud computing adoption; Jordan.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2026.10077077
   
  
• Transforming public administration in Africa using artificial intelligence: prospects, challenges, and open issues  
  by Douglas Kunda  
  Abstract: Effective and resilient public administration systems are essential for stimulating economic growth and reducing poverty across Africa. However, many African countries continue to face systemic challenges that hinder the modernisation of administrative processes, including inadequate digital infrastructure, limited access to electricity and high-speed internet, and the absence of comprehensive regulatory frameworks for artificial intelligence (AI). This paper investigates the opportunities and challenges associated with integrating AI into public administration in Africa. The results of the study reveal that while AI offers significant potential to automate routine procedures, improve decision-making, and foster citizen engagement, its adoption is constrained by factors such as insufficient datasets, limited technical expertise, political resistance and regulatory uncertainty. The study concludes by offering policy recommendations aimed at strengthening institutional capacity, developing clear governance frameworks for AI, and investing in digital infrastructure. The findings position the paper as a foundational contribution that highlights both the transformative potential and practical barriers of AI implementation in African public administration.
  Keywords: artificial intelligence; machine learning; public administration in Africa; public administration challenges in Africa; large language model; digital transformation.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2026.10077079
   
  
• Designing sustainable e-government services: from theory to practice  
  by Christophe Gaie, S. Vasantha , Dharmasivam Vimala 
  Abstract: This study outlines a comprehensive conceptual framework for developing sustainable e-government services while addressing the technological, societal, operational, and ecological pillars. It underscores the fundamentals of digital governance and aims to integrate theoretical frameworks with practical implementation. The study mainly focuses on citizen engagement, institutional strength, and environmental factors. It evaluates the influence of technological and resource innovations, organisational diversification, and ecological sustainability on the opportunities presented for sustainable digital governance. This research utilises a qualitative, cross-border approach, particularly focusing on Estonia is recognised universally as the global leader in e-governance, with a completely digital government environment. By contrast, India is a large-scale, distinct, and developing democracy employing e-governance at all levels of the society. The comparative assessment of these two cases contributes to the fulfilment of the study’s objectives. It also analyses a variety of published materials, and operational documentation on Estonias X-tee and Indias DIGIT and IUDX systems.
  Keywords: e-government services; enablers; dimensions; models; theory; sustainability.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2027.10077131
   
  
• An analysis of post-pandemic trends in online doctor consultations to enhance government telemedicine programs  
  by Amit Kumar Bardhan, Vipin Negi 
  Abstract: This study investigates the decline in telemedicine usage following the pandemic, despite its increased adoption compared to pre-pandemic times. Predicting telemedicine's future and identifying success factors is critical, especially in resource-limited developing countries. Positioned in this decline, we analyse two key aspects: strategic planning and technology infrastructure in telemedicine. A case study of a major government-run telemedicine service in a metropolitan Indian city reveals that lacking a strategic plan reduces the e-service's viability. We propose that infrastructure should align with user and provider needs, not just existing technological capabilities. Policymakers should adopt proactive strategies, learning from reactive pandemic responses. The study highlights the diminishing performance of an eGovernment program, urging prompt action to prevent resource depletion. Additionally, it introduces a conceptual model and suggests further research avenues for policymakers and researchers.
  Keywords: healthcare; eService; eGovernment; strategic planning; telemedicine; SDG 3: good health and well-being.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2026.10077524
   
  
• E-government and public service delivery to businesses: analysis through the lens of public value theory  
  by Anthony Acquah, Lily Yarney, Kwame Asamoah, Albert Ahenkan 
  Abstract: The study sought to investigate the impact of e-government on public service delivery to the business sector in a developing economy context. The research was designed as quantitative study collecting data from top executives of businesses. A total of 256 businesses were selected using stratified and simple random sampling technique. The data collected was analysed using multivariate regression model. The study found that e-government has transformative impact on the delivery of public service for businesses through reduction in red tape, reduced corruption, enhanced transparency, improved participation, cost reduction and the timely provision of public service to businesses which are all aligned to the creation of public value. The findings underscore the importance for policymakers to invest in e-government infrastructure as it holds the key to unlocking efficient public service delivery.
  Keywords: e-government; electronic government; businesses; public service; public value theory; red tape; transparency; participation; corruption; cost; time.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2027.10078431
   
  
• A study on the influence of demographic elements on the salaried women investors’ mind-set towards investing in ELSS with reference to twin city of Odisha  
  by Pratichi Dash, Susanta Kumar Mishra 
  Abstract: There have been a lot of studies looking at how salaried women investors view various investment alternatives. This study examines how salaried women investors perceive Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS) as a tax-saving and investment option. A structured questionnaire was administered to 100 salaried women representing diverse age, income, and education groups. Using the chi-square goodness-of-fit test, the study assessed the influence of demographic factors on investor attitudes toward ELSS. Performance of the top five ELSS funds was evaluated using multiple metrics such as Sharpe ratio, Treynor ratio, and Jensen’s alpha. Findings indicate that age and income are the most significant demographic variables shaping investment perceptions. The results provide insights for investors, fund managers, and policymakers to promote informed participation in ELSS investments.
  Keywords: equity linked savings schemes; ELSS; salaried women investors; investment behaviour; demographic factors; mutual fund performance.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2026.10078483
   
  
• Agentic AI for e-governance: a multi-agent reinforcement learning framework for autonomous cyber defence  
  by Mohit Lal Sah, Pranjali Bafila, Sunil Kumar, Rahul Kumar Mishra 
  Abstract: The increasing digitisation of governance systems necessitates robust, autonomous cyber defence mechanisms capable of real-time threat detection and response. This paper is an effort to represent a novel approach of a multi-agent reinforcement learning (MARL) framework for implementing agentic artificial intelligence in e-governance infra and application cybersecurity systems. Our approach leverages threshold fictitious self-play (T-FP) algorithms and multi-agent proximal policy optimisation (MAPPO). This approach helps us to coordinate autonomous defence across a distributed heterogeneous digital infrastructure of government. Our proposed framework combines the mathematical formulations based on zero-sum Markov games and partially observable Markov decision processes (POMDPs) with provable intersection assurances. Proposed frameworks exhibit substantial edge in threat detection accuracy (94.7%), reaction coordination efficiency (87.3%), and system stability under advanced persistent threats (APTs). The suggested framework preaches scalability, partial observability challenges, maintaining compliance with governance prerequisites, and assuring human supervision abilities, thus enabling us to make vital and fast decisions.
  Keywords: agentic AI; multi-agent reinforcement learning; autonomous cyber defence; e-governance; game theory; cybersecurity.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2027.10078629
   
  
• Toward a cybersecurity social contract: citizen perspectives on governance, trust, and responsibility in democratic contexts  
  by Jan Kleiner 
  Abstract: Social contract theory (SCT) offers a compelling framework for understanding cybersecurity governance in democratic societies, yet its application remains largely theoretical and underexplored empirically. This study develops an enhanced model of the cybersecurity social contract by integrating SCT with the open society concept to address complexity and justification challenges. Drawing on qualitative data from a survey of U.S.-based participants (N=165), the paper investigates public perceptions of responsibility, trust, and role expectations among governments, private sector actors, and individuals. The findings reveal perceived asymmetries in accountability, the dual nature of the private sector as both protector and violator, and a strong citizen desire for balance among stakeholders. The study contributes a multi-actor framework for democratic cyber governance and identifies policy implications for public-private partnerships, regulatory legitimacy, and digital trust. This work advances theory and practice by grounding normative models in empirical public attitudes.
  Keywords: social contract theory; SCT; open society; cybersecurity; governance; survey; exploratory design.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2027.10078920
   
  
• Right of withdrawal in electronic commerce contracts: a prospective analytical review of Jordan’s legal framework  
  by Emad Mohammad Al-Amaren 
  Abstract: In a digital revolution era where contracts can easily be made across time and geographical boundaries via networks, the right of withdrawal emerges as a legal mechanism to protect consumers from being defrauded by fascinating pictures and descriptions that may hide a different reality. This study discusses the theoretical and practical basis of the right of withdrawal in Jordanian legislation, analysing the available texts in the Civil Code and the Consumer Protection Law, and comparing them with Arab and international experiences that have adopted more comprehensive and flexible systems. This study seeks to propose an effective electronic legal mechanism (national withdrawal platform) to protect the right of withdrawal in electronic contracts in light of Jordanian legislation that is compatible with the development in the field of electronic commerce and achieves the goal of protecting the consumer first and achieving the interest of the merchant second.
  Keywords: right of withdrawal; e-commerce contracts; Jordanian legislation; The National Platform; Jordan.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2027.10078971
   
  
• The effect of social media factor on the 2024 local election from the voters' perspective  
  by Zübeyir Çelik, İbrahim Aydın, Ahmet Ünal, Reha Saydan 
  Abstract: This study aims to try to understand voter behaviours from a broad and different perspective. A comprehensive model has been successfully tested in the study. The study population consists of voters who can vote in the 2024 local elections in Türkiye. The study sample consists of 420 people. Structural equation modelling was used to analyse the data. Social media was found to have a positive effect on voting intention, word of mouth communication, candidate image, voter opinion, and voter trust. The positive effect of candidate image on voter opinion, voter trust, voting intention, and word of mouth communication was found. In addition, it was observed that both voter opinion and voter trust had a positive effect on voting intention and word of mouth communication. Implications are provided in the study.
  Keywords: social media; voting intention; word of mouth communication; candidate image; voter opinion; voter trust.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2026.10073357
   
  
• A framework for analysing the impact of critical success factors on e-public procurement processes  
  by Razeehsadat Aboutalebi, Mohammad Aghdasi, Bakhtiar Ostadi 
  Abstract: This study proposes a structured framework for analysing the impact of critical success factors (CSFs) on electronic public procurement (e-PP) processes, with a national case focus on Iran. Drawing upon 458 scholarly sources (2000-2024), the research identifies and validates 15 key CSFs using a two-stage Delphi method, supported by expert interviews and a systematic literature review. These CSFs are mapped to core, support, and monitoring procurement processes based on the socio-technical MIT90s framework. The framework offers actionable insights for improving transparency, efficiency, and stakeholder alignment in government procurement systems. This study contributes to both theory and practice by integrating strategic and process-oriented perspectives into e-PP design. Future research directions include empirical validation, cross-national comparisons, and integration of emerging technologies for enhanced decision-making and risk management.
  Keywords: electronic public procurement; e-PP; public procurement; critical success factors; CSFs; transparency; efficiency; tendering; procurement processes.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2026.10073358
   
  
• Assessment of e-government services by sentiment analysis of citizen comments  
  by Ramiz M. Aliguliyev, Gunay Y. Iskandarli 
  Abstract: Evaluation of e-service quality is currently considered one of the current issues. By improving the quality of e-services through the analysis of citizen comments, organisations can gain an advantage in the online environment and improve their relations with citizens and their satisfaction. Taking these into account, a new method was proposed in order to increase the quality of e-services, citizen satisfaction and their role in management. Sentiment analysis technologies were used in the proposed method. First, citizen comments were analysed for sentiment, using this, the positive and negative weight of each service was determined, based on this, the level of satisfaction of citizens with government bodies was determined. After that, the main problems that the citizens are concerned about and the extent to which these problems were promptly eliminated by the relevant government bodies were determined.
  Keywords: e-service; electronic service; citizen satisfaction; sentiment analysis.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2026.10073528
   
  
• Conceptual model of a social credit system on the Electronic Demography 4.0 platform  
  by Alakbarova I. Yavar 
  Abstract: The application of digital technologies in public administration and the potential of using big data to assess citizens require the development of ethically sound and transparent social credit systems integrated into the electronic demographic system. This paper proposes a conceptual model for a social credit system (SCS) built upon the foundation of Electronic Demography 4.0 (E-demography 4.0). E-demography 4.0 provides a rich tapestry of digital data about individuals, offering the potential for a more comprehensive assessment of social credit. However, ethical considerations and potential pitfalls necessitate a carefully designed framework. The proposed model describes in detail the key architectural components of the SCS, including data sources, functional modules for collecting, processing, and analysing data, as well as mechanisms for the formation and visualisation of social credit. The article explores the synergistic potential of integrating the E-demography 4.0 system with the national population register (NPR) and the SCS. The assessment and management of social credit on the E-demography 4.0 platform can be important for more effective analysis of citizen behaviour and forecasting of social processes to ensure effective social management.
  Keywords: Industry 4.0; E-demography 4.0; social credit; conceptual model; national population registers; NPRs.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2026.10074340
   
  
• Adoption of contact tracing mobile application during COVID-19 pandemic in India  
  by Jeganathan Gomathi Sankar, Arokiaraj David, P. Victer Paul, C. Ganeshkumar 
  Abstract: The purpose of the study is to investigate the factors that influenced the use of the Aarogya Setu contact tracing mobile application, which was made available by the Indian government during the COVID-19 pandemic. It uses an integrated conceptual framework to investigate how well technology adoption works in public health surveillance. The unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) and E-SERVQUAL frameworks are adopted in the study to develop a postulated model. A quantitative approach was used, and data were gathered from 574 health workers across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was employed to test the hypothesised relationships among the constructs. The findings show that users' preference towards using the Aarogya Setu application is significantly influenced by efficiency and social impact. In the context of health-tech adoption, the model showed strong fit and provided empirical support for the integrated framework. This study contributes to the growing literature on digital health interventions by providing a verified approach to understand contact tracing application adoption. It offers practical insights for policymakers and app developers to enhance the design and deployment of mobile health tools during public health crises.
  Keywords: contact tracing; Aarogya Setu; COVID-19; technology adoption; theory of acceptance; digital health; health technology; India.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2026.10075903
   
  
• E-government development: experience from Sumedang Local Government  
  by Arip Rahman Sudrajat, Lesmana Rian Andhika 
  Abstract: This study aims to examine the role of transformational leadership in the development of e-government at the Sumedang Local Government. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 30 informants, comprising local leaders, SPBE managers, and staff, as well as focus group discussions and document analysis. The findings reveal that e-government success in Sumedang is not solely determined by technological infrastructure but is strongly influenced by leadership, which provides idealised influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and personalised consideration. Transformational leadership, distributed leadership, and cross-sector collaboration significantly enhance bureaucratic efficiency, accountability, and digital culture. Despite barriers such as inadequate technology infrastructure, digital literacy gaps, and human resource competencies, effective leadership facilitates sustainable innovation. This study concludes that strengthening transformational leadership and collaboration is crucial to achieving long-term e-government development in local governments.
  Keywords: e-government; development; transformational leadership; local government.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2026.10074962
   
  
• Street level bureaucrats' inclusive leadership style and citizen satisfaction: the mediation role of sound governance using a Gaussian copula approach  
  by Pankaj Tiwari 
  Abstract: We believe that 'sound governance' aims to achieve the same results as 'good governance' in ensuring the satisfaction of its citizens in the healthcare sector. Street-level bureaucrats in the healthcare sector are essential to achieving this goal because they interact with citizens regularly. Therefore, this study aims to examine the relationship between inclusive leadership and citizen satisfaction in the presence of sound governance. In this study, we interviewed 254 citizens of the Uttarakhand Region who receive health care services from Anganwadis (the street-level bureaucrat) workers. We analysed the data using partial least squares and structural equation modelling. The relationship between sound governance and citizen satisfaction was positive and statistically significant with citizen satisfaction. Unlike other studies, our study used a Gaussian copula to analyse the association between random variables. We included the control variables, age and education, in our study. Our model can predict a 54.5% variation in citizen satisfaction from the Anganwadi program. Our results show how inclusive leadership and sound governance pillars such as structures, processes, values and other dimensions can strengthen health initiatives in the healthcare sector.
  Keywords: Anganwadi; sound governance; inclusive leadership; citizen satisfaction; street-level bureaucrats; Gaussian copula.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2026.10076404
   
  
• SmartCity Kochi using IoT technologies  
  by Somayya Madakam, Hema Date 
  Abstract: The new urban phenomenon, 'smart cities', is no longer far from reality across the globe. Smart cities are integrating Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to enhance quality of life. SmartCity Kochi (SCK) is an excellent example, boosting the economy, quality of life, and sustainability. The phenomenon of smart cities is new and contemporary. Hence, the study is exploratory in nature. The triangulation method was used for data collection including in-depth interview, observation, survey, and secondary data. The software used are SPSS for the reliability checking of the study and content analysis for research notes, and ATLAS.ti, i.e., for secondary data analysis to draw network diagrams, word cloud, and super-family. The study explored in detail SCK from the economic, environmental, mobility, governance, public, and living perspectives. SCK is boosting Kerala's economic development. The learning of the case is that innovative city development is based on trying to achieve by designing, implementing strategies, and deploying IoT technologies in all city dimensions to tackle significant urban challenges.
  Keywords: SmartCity Kochi; SCK; internet of things; IoT; economic development; quality of life; sustainability; employment.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2026.10076091
   
  
• The impact of digital transformation on governance: evidence from India  
  by Nidhi Maheshwari, Gopal Mohan, Divya Mishra 
  Abstract: This study explores the impact of digital transformation on government operations and good governance, addressing gaps in understanding both its direct and indirect effects. Focusing on India, the research employs structural equation modelling to analyse data from senior managers and public sector employees, examining how digital transformation influences government transformation and governance outcomes. The findings reveal that digital transformation significantly enhances government transformation by improving public service delivery, fostering citizen engagement, and strengthening institutional trust. Moreover, the study underscores that government transformation plays a pivotal role in advancing good governance by enhancing efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness in public sector operations. These insights highlight the importance of implementing digital initiatives that align technological advancements with organisational capabilities and public needs. For policymakers and public sector managers, the research provides evidence-based guidance on leveraging digital transformation to drive governance reforms. By offering empirical insights from India, this study contributes to the broader discourse on digital governance and provides a theoretical framework for understanding the role of technology in modernising public administration.
  Keywords: digital transformation; government transformation; good governance; citizen engagement; public service delivery; trust; confidence.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2026.10078129