Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis investigates the impact of e-government services on citizen engagement and participation in local governance. With the rapid advancement of technology, governments worldwide have increasingly adopted e-government initiatives to enhance service delivery and citizen involvement. However, the extent to which these digital platforms influence citizen engagement and participation remains a subject of debate. This study aims to fill this gap by examining the relationship between e-government services and citizen engagement in the context of local governance. The research methodology employed in this study is a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with citizens and government officials. The data collected will be analyzed using statistical tools and thematic analysis to provide a comprehensive understanding of how e-government services impact citizen engagement and participation. The literature review explores existing studies on e-government, citizen engagement, and local governance, providing a theoretical framework for the analysis. Key themes such as digital divide, transparency, accessibility, and trust will be examined to understand how these factors influence citizen engagement in e-government services. Findings from the study reveal that e-government services have a significant positive impact on citizen engagement and participation in local governance. Citizens who have access to digital platforms are more likely to interact with government services, provide feedback, and participate in decision-making processes. However, challenges such as digital literacy, lack of internet access, and trust in government institutions remain barriers to full engagement. The implications of this research suggest that e-government implementation should focus on improving digital literacy, ensuring accessibility for all citizens, and fostering trust in government institutions. By enhancing e-government services to address these concerns, local governments can effectively promote citizen engagement and participation in governance processes. In conclusion, this thesis contributes to the existing literature on e-government and citizen engagement by providing empirical evidence of the impact of digital platforms on local governance. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, government officials, and researchers seeking to enhance citizen engagement through e-government initiatives.

Thesis Overview

The research project titled "Assessing the Impact of E-Government Services on Citizen Engagement and Participation in Local Governance" aims to investigate the influence of electronic government (e-government) services on citizen engagement and participation in the context of local governance. E-government refers to the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) by government agencies to provide services to citizens, businesses, and other government entities. In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on leveraging technology to enhance government service delivery and citizen interaction. The primary objective of this research is to analyze how the adoption and implementation of e-government services at the local level can affect citizen engagement and participation in governance processes. The study will explore various aspects of e-government services, including online portals, mobile applications, social media platforms, and other digital tools that facilitate communication between citizens and government authorities. By conducting a comprehensive literature review, this research will examine existing studies and theories related to e-government, citizen engagement, and local governance. The review will provide a theoretical framework for understanding the relationship between e-government services and citizen participation, highlighting key concepts and factors that influence this dynamic. The research methodology will involve a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. Surveys, interviews, and case studies will be used to gather insights from both government officials and citizens regarding their experiences with e-government services and their impact on engagement and participation. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the existing body of knowledge on e-government and citizen engagement in local governance. By identifying the strengths and weaknesses of e-government initiatives and their implications for citizen participation, this research aims to provide valuable insights for policymakers, government agencies, and other stakeholders seeking to enhance democratic processes and public service delivery through technology. Overall, this research project seeks to shed light on the potential of e-government services to transform the relationship between citizens and government in the local governance context. By assessing the impact of digital tools on citizen engagement and participation, the study aims to offer practical recommendations for leveraging technology to promote transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in governance processes.