Best practices of the Finnish Government Information Society Policy Programme

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to classify the best practices selected by the “Finnish Government Information Society Policy Programme” with a framework that includes four segments: technology, supply, demand, and spatial impact scale. These segments are elemental parts of service development processes, the best of which are classified into seven distinct categories: Telecommunications; Citizen Readiness; Education and Research; Working Life; Public Sector Electronic Services; Social and Health Care; and Electronic Commerce.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical material includes the best practices as defined by the Finnish Government Information Society Policy Programme 2003‐2007. The best practices were analyzed through their project descriptions. The data were classified with textual content analysis into categories that were further analyzed numerically. The tools of statistical analysis included cross‐tabulations and chi‐square tests.FindingsThe results reveal differentiation among the best practices. The majority of service development concerns applications and software. However, physical infrastructure development was also present in the largest cities. Public sector organizations produced more than half of all of the best practices selected. Public‐private partnerships were also common, and the majority of service development was targeted to the national level.Research limitations/implicationsThe best practices analyzed illustrate the view of the Finnish Government Information Society Policy Programme. Consequently, the analysis highlights the values of the policy program. The data include only a small segment of on‐going development activity and represents a case study and therefore it is limited to the Finnish and Nordic context.Originality/valueThis paper uses a unique primary data set. The results obtained reflect the originality of the study and clearly provide sufficient grounds to consider electronic service development. The results are also transferable to public sector decision makers dealing with regional policies and development.