The success of e-government initiatives depends on an engaged citizenry and, to that end, efforts to foster civic engagement are critical.
The concept of e-government revolves around the citizen. E-government is not just a cost cutting or efficiency initiative, but rather is directed at bettering the lives of ordinary people. In order to develop this citizen-focused vision, policymakers must keep the ordinary citizen in mind when designing systems. If at all possible, policy makers and designers should encourage stakeholders - both government and non-government - to participate in defining what their shared vision of e-government should accomplish. And once that vision is clearly defined, leaders must communicate it across all sectors, not just to those who will implement it.
An electronic forum for dialogue among citizens and politicians, designed with citizen input. http://www.nordpol.dk
Case study http://www.cdt.org/egov/handbook/denmark.pdf"
State of the Environment Report, South Africa: An online environmental report, affording opportunities for continued public participation.
The content of this environmental awareness site is the result of extensive community particpation. The participating communities identiifed six environmental priorities, which became the core issues addressed on the site, including: Pollution, Waste Management, Open Space, Conservation, Poverty, and Environmental Health. Visitors to the site are encouraged to continue giving input to determine what relevant information should be posted and to contribute materials or information that could be useful to the general public as well. http://www.ngo.grida.no/soesa/nsoer/
