Benchmarking E-Government

Abstract

E-government benchmarking reports are characterized by their multitude as well as by the dissimilarity of the approaches applied to assessing development. This article will present and compare the research methods and the main results of four selected e-government benchmarking series. Built in this remarks the authors raise the question whether these reports are able to contribute to the realization of benefits inherent in the benchmarking of e-government. It will be demonstrated, that depending on the specification of different system parameters benchmarking series show varying relevance for governments seeking to exercise certain functions. Subsequent to this functional analysis the authors will discuss whether these reports represent an appropriate foundation for governments striving for the implementation of e-government designed in a comprehensive and sustainable manner. For this purpose key elements of e-government are brought together into a holistic evaluation model. Based on this comprehensive approach it is argued that the functionality of the presented benchmarking reports remains confined to certain elements of e-government as well as to certain stakeholders’ views.