Title: Digital readiness in government: the case of Bahía Blanca municipal government

Authors: Marisa Analía Sánchez; Juana Inés Zuntini

Addresses: Dpto. de Ciencias de la Administración, Universidad Nacional del Sur, Bahía Blanca, 8000, Argentina ' Dpto. de Ciencias de la Administración, Universidad Nacional del Sur, Bahía Blanca, 8000, Argentina

Abstract: Government organisations do recognise the opportunities of technology but seem uncertain about whether they are ready for the digital transformation. The aim of this research work is to formulate a framework that explains resources, capabilities, and management choices necessary to respond to the new environment. The problem is essentially approached from a strategic analysis perspective coming from the private-sector strategic analysis and management. The research methodology is based on literature review and an in-depth case study based on a municipal level government. The framework describes: a) the impact of digital innovations on external forces; b) adequate strategies arising from a value chain analysis; c) resources and capabilities of critical importance; d) and the new role of government as a platform provider. In terms of practical contributions, the paper provides specific and actionable recommendations on relevant challenges when municipal-level governments conduct a digital transformation process.

Keywords: digital transformation; digital readiness; public sector; e-government; municipal government; strategic analysis; digital ecosystem; public agency program five forces framework; public agency value chain analysis; resource-based theory of the firm.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEG.2019.101500

International Journal of Electronic Governance, 2019 Vol.11 No.2, pp.155 - 181

Received: 26 Oct 2017
Accepted: 07 Aug 2018
Published online: 11 Aug 2019 *

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