Electronic Government, an International Journal (26 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
   
  
• 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
   
  
• 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
   
  
• 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
   
  
• Conception and development of an application based on AI tools, to support negotiation in the process of public procurement in Morocco  
  by Riyad Berraida, Laila El Abbadi 
  Abstract: Public procurement differs from purchasing in private sector in different aspects, while buyer in private sector has certain flexibility in his practices, buyer in public procurement is bound by strict regulations that he must adhere to. In this paper, we aim to redesign the process of public procurement in Morocco, by incorporating negotiation as a step before awarding the tender. Our proposition is supported by an application, based on Artificial Intelligence tools that we could use for this purpose. This paper is organised as follows: After the introduction, the second section outlines the methodology of research followed, the third section highlights the literature review and the subsequent sections present new process of public procurement in Morocco, the role that could be played by artificial intelligence to support the step of negotiation, the strengths and limitations of this paper, and the itinerary for future research work.
  Keywords: public procurement; negotiation support; artificial intelligence; decision support systems; process reengineering; corruption prevention; procurement efficiency; Morocco.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2027.10079621
   
  
• Bridging the digital divide in peripheral regions: evaluation of Indonesia’s electronic-based government system implementation  
  by Frenco Elwadinata, Vinni Aprilianti, Asti Harkeni, Kadarusman , Candra Dwi Putra 
  Abstract: This study aims to evaluate the implementation of Indonesia’ selectronic-based government system (SPBE) and formulate priority strategies for improving e-government services in East Tanjung Jabung Regency. By integrating the technology-organisation-environment (TOE) framework with importance-performance analysis (IPA), the study assesses 33 SPBE indicators across 29 government agencies, involving 86 respondents. The findings reveal that SPBE implementation remains suboptimal, with all indicators across the three dimensions falling below ideal performance benchmarks. To address this gap, local government efforts should prioritise indicators in Quadrant I, including the availability of hardware and software, server and data storage capacity, ICT infrastructure maintenance, data backup procedures, ICT support, and technical training programmes for government personnel.
  Keywords: importance-performance analysis; IPA; policy evaluation; digital divide; SPBE Indonesia; TOE framework; Indonesia.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2027.10079753
   
  
• Risk-aware process management in banking lending: a fuzzy Delphi framework  
  by Mohammad Sadegh, Mohammad Aghdasi, Bakhtiar Ostadi, Mohammad Ali Rastegar 
  Abstract: Risk-aware process management (RBPM) integrates risk considerations into business process design. Despite its importance, RBPM remains underdeveloped in banking, as risk and process management are often conducted separately, leading to conflicting results. To address this gap, this study proposes a framework for implementing RBPM in Iran’s banking lending process and asks: how can RBPM enhance lending process resilience to operational risks? First, the lending process was divided into seven subprocesses and ten operational risks, forming a 70-cell matrix. Second, expert opinions from four Iranian banks via fuzzy Delphi highlighted 21 high-importance cells, where 135 operational risks were identified and linked to process solutions. Third, seven practical risk mitigation models were developed for two user groups: subprocess owners and banking IT specialists. Expert evaluation and fuzzy Delphi analysis confirm these models enhance lending process resilience and provide a systematic approach to integrating risk management into banking operations.
  Keywords: risk-aware business process management; R-BPM; risk mitigation patterns; risk management; banking industry; lending.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2027.10079814
   
  
• Enhancing public sector resilience in e-government procurement: a lifecycle-based, risk-aware process governance framework  
  by Razeeh Sadat Aboutalebi, Mohammad Aghdasi, Bakhtiar Ostadi 
  Abstract: This study develops a lifecycle-based framework for embedding risk-aware business process governance into e-government procurement (e-GP) systems. Based on a systematic literature review and a two-round Delphi study with procurement experts, 89 risks were identified and categorised using the technology-organisation-environment (TOE) framework, with 27 validated as high-priority most concentrated in implementation and monitoring phases. The framework maps risks to business process management (BPM) lifecycle stages and demonstrates how targeted digital, procedural, and organisational controls can be embedded through scenarios such as cyberattacks during bid submission and manipulation in evaluation. Theoretically, the study bridges TOE-based risk classification with BPM lifecycle analysis, extending risk-aware BPM into public procurement governance. Practically, it provides a validated risk register, phase-specific mappings, and design implications for dashboards and control mechanisms. Overall, the framework advances digital governance research on process innovation and offers policymakers actionable tools to strengthen transparency, accountability, and resilience in procurement systems.
  Keywords: electronic government procurement; e-GP; risk-aware business process management; risk-aware BPM; business process governance; procurement lifecycle; technology-organisation-environment; TOE model; lifecycle framework; Delphi method.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2027.10079815
   
  
• A framework for protecting public value in Kuwait’s algorithmic government  
  by Shahad Altammar 
  Abstract: Artificial intelligence is now part of Kuwait’s routine public service infrastructure, but adoption has moved faster than governance arrangements. This study develops a public administration focused framework for protecting public value in algorithmic government by integrating citizen evaluations with senior administrative priorities. Using a convergent mixed methods design, it analyses a survey of 431 adult AI service users and 36 semi-structured interviews with senior public administrators. Citizens rated external governance less favourably than internal governance, with urgent concerns clustered around workforce displacement exposure, civic voice safeguards, information integrity and age-appropriate use. Internal priorities focused on streamlined procedures, administrative transparency and inter agency coordination. Interviews identified core framework components, especially vulnerable group protection, cybersecurity resilience, supervisory authority and AI targeted legal arrangements. The resulting framework links legitimacy oversight to delivery capability through a functional governance architecture, offering a transferable roadmap for algorithmic government that aligns public value pressures with the administrative controls required for accountable and dependable service delivery.
  Keywords: governance challenges; public administration; framework; artificial intelligence; Kuwait.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2027.10079935
   
  
• Value orient QoS-maximisation scheduling with IoT devices for improved data security in cloud  
  by G. John Samuel Babu, M. Baskar 
  Abstract: Recent advances in data security towards QoS of cloud environment have been well studied. There exist numerous approaches towards scheduling the service requests using various factors like popularity, completion time, and others. However, the performance of such approaches is not appreciable. Also, presence of different threats in the environment inclines the QoS of the environment. With the motivation to maximise the QoS performance of cloud and improve data security, a value orient QoS maximisation scheduling (VOQMS) is presented in this article. The approach includes scheduling, secure routing and encryption of data to support the performance development of cloud in all diagonals. The method performs QoS maximisation scheduling, which schedule the requests according to claim, availability, utilisation, idle time and so on. According to the above-mentioned features, the method computes throughput, resource utilisation, availability, idle time, number of completion (TRAIN) support. The simulation results based on the CloudSim reveal that VOQMS can enhance the scheduling performance by up to 98%, resource usage to 99%, energy efficiency to 99%, and time complexity by 38% as compared to the current methods. These findings show that VOQMS is effective in maximising QoS and data security within the cloud simultaneously.
  Keywords: cloud security; scheduling; QoS maximisation; data security; data encryption; VOQMS; TRAIN; CF; RTS.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2027.10080157
   
  
• Advancing Vietnam’s digital society through strategic models for governance and inclusive growth  
  by Tuan Anh Vu, Ngoc Minh Trang Nguyen 
  Abstract: Vietnam is pursuing digital transformation through digital government, a digital economy, and a digital society, yet progress remains constrained by uneven infrastructure, digital-literacy gaps, privacy concerns, cybersecurity risks, and rural-urban exclusion. This study develops a strategic framework for advancing an inclusive digital society in Vietnam by comparing selected global models, including Estonia’s e-governance and e-residency, Singapore’s Smart Nation initiative, South Korea’s user-centred e-government, and India’s Aadhaar-enabled digital inclusion. The analysis identifies transferable lessons and context-specific limitations, and proposes a phased pathway that combines stronger legal and data-protection frameworks, expanded digital infrastructure, digital-literacy programmes, cybersecurity governance, and investment in digital human capital. The proposed roadmap provides short-, medium-, and long-term recommendations to improve transparency, public-service efficiency, citizen engagement, and inclusive growth. The study contributes a contextualised governance model for Vietnam and offers insights for other developing economies pursuing sustainable digital transformation.
  Keywords: digital society; national governance; digital transformation; digital inclusion; data security; AI; digital literacy; Vietnam.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2027.10080194
   
  
• Factors affecting implementation of e-court post-COVID-19 era: insights from the Court of Appeal, Abuja, Nigeria  
  by Victor Eghe Ekhator, Chima Paul, Ezeoke King Samson, Sani Yusuf 
  Abstract: This study examines factors influencing the sustainability of e-court systems in the Court of Appeal, Abuja, in the post-COVID-19 period. It addresses the limited empirical evidence on institutional, technological, and human capacity challenges following the pandemic-driven adoption of digital justice. A qualitative phenomenological approach was used, involving eight in-depth interviews with court officials and stakeholders, analysed through NVivo-based thematic analysis. Findings reveal five key issues: weak leadership and management support, inadequate ICT infrastructure, limited technical skills and manpower, funding constraints, and concerns about corruption, though moderated by oversight mechanisms. The study concludes that sustainable e-court implementation depends on strong leadership, adequate funding, reliable ICT systems, and continuous capacity development. Theoretically, it contributes to digital governance and technology adoption literature in a post-crisis judicial context. Practically, it highlights the need for coordinated policy efforts to strengthen leadership commitment, improve infrastructure, ensure funding, and build human capacity for long-term success.
  Keywords: funding; management; corruption; manpower; infrastructure; Nigeria.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2027.10080392
   
  
• Stakeholders’ knowledge of e-governance systems in public institutions in Ghana  
  by Dennis Botwe Kyei  
  Abstract: E-governance is critical to public-sector transformation, yet its success depends on stakeholders having adequate knowledge of these systems. This study assessed stakeholders’ (staff and customers) knowledge of e-governance across three Ghanaian institutions: the Registrar-General’s Department, the Passport Office, and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority. A qualitative approach was employed, purposively sampling 60 participants across the institutions. Interviews lasted 4560 minutes and were audio-recorded with consent. Thematic analysis using MAXQDA 2020 yielded three subthemes: functional and operational knowledge of e-governance systems; awareness of digital transformation and technological innovations; and knowledge gaps, user concerns, and system limitations. Staff demonstrated extensive knowledge of e-governance systems, while customers showed moderate awareness shaped by service experience. Although stakeholders valued digital transformation, challenges such as hybrid procedures, weak system integration, and trust issues persisted. The study recommends improving system interoperability, expanding customer education, and strengthening data security to build trust and optimise Ghana’s e-governance effectiveness.
  Keywords: knowledge; stakeholders; e-governance; public institutions; service delivery; Ghana.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2027.10080712
   
  
• SRLA - high secure optimised routing protocol for wireless ad hoc networks using log likelihood ratio enabled ant colony optimisation  
  by Vijayalakshmi Khagga, Sangeetha Priya Nachimuthu, A.M. Prasad 
  Abstract: In wireless ad hoc networks, where conventional infrastructure is lacking, effective routing algorithms, security mechanisms, and energy efficiency are critical challenges. While existing cluster-based routing protocols demonstrate efficiency, the absence of a comprehensive approach for selecting cluster heads based on multiple parameters remains a gap. Addressing this multi-objective challenge is pivotal in optimising cluster-based routing. Ant colony optimisation (ACO) emerges as a key algorithm for path selection, while the integration of log likelihood ratio (LLR) enhances route longevity and reliability. The proposed system introduces cluster-based region formation coupled with the selection of trusted cluster heads, enriching routing paths. It prioritises paths with heavy weights and fewer links, optimising efficiency. Implementation of the proposed system yields a notable increase in delivery ratio to 96% marking a significant advancement in wireless ad hoc network performance.
  Keywords: ad hoc network; ant colony optimisation; ACO; log likelihood ratio; LLR; cluster formation; secure route; optimised computations.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2027.10080941
   
  
• Analysing user acceptance of e-government applications: a framework for digital governance  
  by Joko Tri Nugraha, Eny Boedi Orbawati, Suamanda Ika Novichasari, Lutfi Ariyani, Zharifa Nur Majidah 
  Abstract: Digital governance increasingly depends on citizens’ acceptance of e-government applications, but the mechanisms linking service attributes to perceived service quality remain unclear. This study tests an integrated framework connecting system quality, information quality, service quality, citizen use, satisfaction, trust, and perceived e-government service quality. We analysed data from 166 users of Indonesia’s Online Single Submission application using partial least squares structural equation modelling. Information quality and service quality significantly increased citizen use, while system quality had no significant direct effect. Citizen use increased satisfaction and trust, and satisfaction further strengthened trust. Citizen trust exerted the strongest effect on perceived e-government service quality. These findings position use as a central pathway connecting information and service attributes with experiential outcomes, while trust functions as the principal evaluative mechanism shaping perceived service quality. The study recommends improving information accuracy, service responsiveness, privacy assurance, transparency, and status tracking to strengthen digital public service legitimacy.
  Keywords: digital governance; e-government applications; citizen trust; perceived e-gov service quality; user acceptance.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2027.10080974
   
  
• Extending the D&M is success model with trust: evidence from Moroccos Simpl e-tax platform  
  by Khalifa Ahsina, Idriss Moksit 
  Abstract: This study investigates the success factors of Morocco’s ‘Simpl’ e-tax platform by adapting and extending the DeLone and McLean Information Systems Success Model. We augment the original model by integrating trust and perceived usefulness constructs to better capture the unique dynamics of e-government adoption in a developing country context. Based on survey data collected from 290 users and analysed using PLS-SEM, our results reveal that system quality has the most significant impact on perceived usefulness (β = 0.405), and that user satisfaction is the primary driver of net benefits, mediating 53.2% of the total effects. Trust (β = 0.269) emerges as a paramount, albeit indirect, factor; it influences net benefits solely through satisfaction, suggesting it functions as a prerequisite hygiene factor rather than a direct driver. Surprisingly, service quality had limited effects, a finding we attribute to the specific cultural and institutional context of Morocco. This research accentuates the relevance of context-dependent models for e-government adoption in emerging economies, where infrastructural and cultural environments fundamentally shape the relationships between system success factors.
  Keywords: e-government adoption; D&M IS success model; trust in technology; PLS-SEM analysis; Morocco digital taxation.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2027.10080998
   
  
• Strategic digital city, public policy and public services: three Canadian cities cases study  
  by Denis Alcides Rezende, Giovana Goretti Feijo De Almeida, Godswill Udoh Okon, Tatiana Souto Maior De Oliveira, Donald Francisco Quintana Sequeira 
  Abstract: The urban planning challenge and urbanisation process have led to a predominantly urban technological scenario. The research objective is to analyse city strategies and public services in three Canadian cities and their relationships with these cities' strategic digital city (SDC) projects. The research methodology focusses on multiple case study: Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver qualitatively and quantitatively, analysing six variables from the strategic digital city subprojects. The results indicate relationships between city strategies and public services involving information technology in cities as interdependent variables. The conclusion reiterates quality of public services and city strategies indicate partly participatory management, but a joint articulation of the variables examined could lead to more effective city management, with consequent improvements in citizen quality of life and adequate urban planning and management.
  Keywords: strategic digital city; SDC; e-government; urban management; public policy.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2027.10081040
   
  
• Predicting factors influencing e-government usage in Bangladesh: a combined PLS-SEM and machine learning approach  
  by Md. Asaduzzaman, Syed Sohan Ali, Mohammad Rokibul Kabir, Anwar Hossain 
  Abstract: The purpose of the study is to examine the factors influencing e-government usage in the Bangladeshi public sector by applying a comprehensive model incorporating human relations theory and the technological-organisational-environmental (TOE) framework. A total of 384 responses were collected using structured survey questions, and PLS-SEM and ANN were employed to analyse the data. The findings demonstrated the significant positive relations for user skill and knowledge, user training, user attitude, infrastructure, system compatibility, policy compliance, competitive pressure, top management emphasis, and organisational learning ability with e-government usage. The results from ANN suggested that policy compliance is the most important factor in the model, followed by top management emphasis, organisational learning ability, IT infrastructure, training, skills and knowledge, competitive pressure, system compatibility, and user attitude. This study enhances the use of Bangladesh’s e-government system by integrating human relations theory and the TOE framework, providing valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners.
  Keywords: e-government usage; government employees; human relations theory; technological-organisational-environmental; TOE; PLS-SEM; ANN; Bangladesh.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2027.10081095
   
  
• A comparative study on global digital economy development  
  by Fuhong Wang, Jonah Ji, Istiak Mahmud, Hannah Ji, Andrew Xiong 
  Abstract: The paper aims at investigating the pattern of global digital economy development and the future trends. Specifically, the research first conducted literature review on digital economy and then collected data on digital economy by combining digital technology, digital infrastructure, digital market and digital governance from 106 countries. Cluster analysis was used to illustrate patterns on global digital economy development. Forecasting analysis was also conducted to project the future of digital economy development for countries around global based on four forecasting models (linear model, exponential model, quadric model and s-curve model). The findings provide a large picture on the current patterns of global digital economic development in terms of digital technology, digital infrastructure, digital market and digital governance, as well as future patterns for digital economic development.
  Keywords: digital economy development; comparative study; assessment.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2027.10081235
   
  
• 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
   
  
• 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
   
  
• 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
   
  
• 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; LLM; digital transformation.
  DOI: 10.1504/EG.2026.10077079
   
  
• A study on the influence of demographic elements on the salaried women investors' mind-set towards investing in ELSS with reference to twin cities 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 5 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