Patterns of ICT Use and E-Government – What we Already Know

Information and communication technologies provide governments with new and powerful tools, which enable better and faster communication with citizens. The readiness of citizens to participate in e-Government is crucial for the latter’s diffusion and consolidation. The use of e-Government services depends on various factors such as ease of use, proficiency, accessibility and civic engagement. Persons displaying lower than average use of e-government include the elderly, disabled people, immigrants or members of ethnic minorities and, more generally, low socio-economic status groups (LSG). The pace at which countries deploy e-Government services, including measures taken to increase their use by LSGs, vary considerably across Europe.