ICEGOV 2019 - 12th INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THEORY AND PRACTICE OF ELECTRONIC GOVERNANCE 2019

Nowadays, a desired goal of governments around the world is to foster an inclusive and equal society, in which all individuals are empowered and able to participate in the society as a whole and, at the same time, control their own future. Inclusion and equality are increasingly seen as a multidimensional concept, encompassing not only an economic perspective, but also civic and political participation, cultural identity, social interaction, and interpersonal networks. This understanding is a significant thrust driving the design of a new generation of integrated policies and programmes developed by governments around the world to implement the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted in 2015.
Governments have identified digital technology as a way of addressing social exclusion and inequalities. Indeed, from an economic perspective, improving access to digital technologies could serve as a way for creating economic value, enabling efficiency and facilitating business. From other perspectives, particularly from the political and civic engagement one, as well as from the cultural and social participation, digital technologies enable new ways of communication, collaboration, and participation.
In addition to this, emerging technologies, are more and more being considered by governments to fundamentally transform how a new generation of integrated public policies and digital public services are designed and developed. Some of these trends are Big Data Analytics, Cloud Technologies, Internet of Things, Machine and Deep Learning, Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Systems, Robotics, Blockchain Technologies and Distributed Ledgers. By seeking the transformative effect of these technologies, governments and public services can improve their processes, therefore reducing costs and the administrative burden on citizens and businesses. It is also crucial to harness the synergies of these technologies to address societal challenges associated with inclusiveness, justice, and equality, in compliance with the SDGs and regional integration initiatives by governments.
However, a challenge faced by researchers, policy-makers, and practitioners today is how to ensure that the digital transformation initiatives and the adoption of emerging technologies do create or add value and sustain development outcomes in societies. Governments and decision–makers also have to understand and deal with a host of issues and challenges related to Electronic Governance (EGOV).
The 12th edition of the International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance (ICEGOV2019) will explore how existing and emerging digital technologies can be effectively harnessed to foster inclusiveness, equality, and sustainability. It will also address the implications and costs associated with the use of such technologies. Several tracks on diverse themes are available for paper submission, ranging from digital transformation to smart cities, security and privacy, open government, digital citizenship, or government research and policy. The conference will take place in Melbourne, Australia, from 3 to 5 April 2019. The Doctoral Colloquium and the Workshops will be held on 2 April 2019 (pre-conference day).