European Journal of ePractice #1

(see the article about e-voting in Geneva)

New resource: European Journal of ePractice, num. 1, 2007.
The socio-technical nature of good practice exchange

This is the first issue of the European Journal of ePractice (EjeP). It marks the beginning of a deep engagement not only with sharing but also with analysis of good practice across EU27+. Our authors, who are all members of the ePractice.eu community, showcase success factors for professionals in eGovernment, eInclusion and eHealth. While there are challenges ahead, tremendous momentum is building up. Ramon Sangüesa and Roc Fages find that the emerging Web 2.0 paradigm has a strong influence on all activities related to knowledge sharing – and is underpinned by communities of practice. They unveil three successful examples of that concept that have been implemented around the world – Development Gateway Communities, eCatalunya, and Meetup – all of which provide inspiration for governments.
Juliane Jarke has interviewed ePractice.eu members and concludes that there are actually several communities emerging. Frank Wilson, Tom van Engers and R ob Peters’ training programme for eGovernment, which received high accolades from its participants, shows there is high potential of the combination of intense face-to-face encounters and advanced web technology. Michel Chevallier, Michel Warynski and Alain Sandoz demonstrate that the success of Geneva’s e-Voting system has more to do with a strong multidisciplinary, managed process than with the technology solution underpinning the effort.
Louis-François Fléri and Gilles Moutet illustrate how the Burgundy region’s e-Procurement effort requires a shared vision, commitment from the political top level, and sustained activity of convincing key actors throughout the process, including strong marketing. Finally, Rebecca Eynon and Helen Margetts analyse seven key barriers to eGovernment progression and identify eight legal areas that underpin these barriers. The solutions they see include: (1) creating a network of top level eGovernment champions, (2) segmenting citizens for better tailored service delivery, (3) learning to work with chaotic co-ordination, and (4) encouraging an e-Literate workforce, especially among civil servants.
Reflecting on good practice is essential if you want to replicate your success. Likewise, it provides a backdrop to think about the challenges you encountered. If you are reading this journal, perhaps you may be motivated to share, meet and learn from failures as well? Since one can learn in equal part from successes, challenges, and failures alike, we aim to cover the whole field. The European Journal of ePractice (EjeP) is a practitioner’s journal, so the articles in it are only as strong as the community around it. The peer reviewers of one article are the authors in the next issue and vice versa. Building on our unique, 11.000 member (and growing) strong community, the Journal becomes the intellectual backbone of the exchange effort. It shall provide analysis and reflection, as well as inc rease awareness of the importance of sharing solutions, lessons, technology and experience with others. I hereby invite you to take part in the socio-technical dialogue – and good reading. Opinions expressed here are the author's and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the European Commission.Read complete editorial
Author: Trond Arne Undheim
Articles
Good practice exchange from a Web 2.0 point of view
Knowledge sharing in a distributed community of practice: a case study of ePractice.eu
Training eGovernment actors: Experience and future needs

Success factors of Geneva’s e-Voting system

Regional Shared eGovernment in the Region of Burgundy: the case of eProcurement
Organisational Solutions for Overcoming Barriers to eGovernment