Behind the Miles of Digitalizing Public Sectors via Information CommunicationTechnology: Applications from Local Government Perspectives

Abstract

This study has explained the rationalesbehind the miles of digitalizing public sectors via information communication technology application from local government perspectives based on evidences collected from Gedeo zone administration, Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples Regional State of Ethiopia. Mixed research methods (quantitative approach; that is, coefficient &multiple linear regression model, and qualitative approach; that is, key informant interview and observation) were applied. The study found predicting variables, namely, information communication technology infrastructures, institutional capacity, and perceptions/attitudes and demographic factors of local residents have positive relationship with digitalizing of local government. The study also identified absence of clear roadmap of applying information communication technology and building digital economy at local levels. This indicated that poor understanding of digital economy for creating smart societies and smart business, leadership constraints at local constitutes and digital illiteracy appear to be major contributing factors for failed digital connectivity and renovate ICT platforms of public services at grassroots level. Based on the findings, the study recommends the local government implement in public sectors integrated (national and local; inter and intra sectorial) information communication technology and digital platforms which both identify the role of federal, regional and local governments concisely. To solve digital illiteracy, building digital economy should be given due attention with formulation of ICT policy competing with ever-changing technology and digital society nowadays.