Promotion of e-government services in Spain: a case study

By definition, e-government is simply the use of information and communications technology, such as the Internet, to improve the processes of government. Thus, e-government is in principle nothing new. Governments were among the first users of computers. But the global proliferation of the Internet, which effectively integrates information and communications technology on the basis of open standards, combined with the movement to reform public administration known as New Public Management, has for good reason generated a new wave of interest in the topic. E-government initiatives are among the highest priorities for Europe. According to the eEurope action plan, the goal for Europe is to provide its citizens with modern online public services. Proposed actions in order to reach this goal are development or extension of broadband connections, launching of an interoperability framework, continuing development of interactive public services and establishment of public Internet access points. Other important areas are e-services within culture and tourism and public procurement.