eGovernment initiatives and key factors causing the delay of their implementation in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Despite the current advanced experiences of eGovernment and Information & Communication Technologies (ICT) development, governments in developing countries are still facing some difficulties and barriers that impede the full implementation of eGovernment. Nevertheless, over the last ten years, the eGovernment concept has been accepted in many developing countries, notably in the Arab Gulf countries. Some Gulf countries have overcome the major barriers and achieved encouraging results in the context of eGovernment readiness in 2010, while others are still trying to overcome problems. The concentration of this study is on eGovernment in Saudi Arabia as it is still facing obstacles in implementing eGovernment. The aim of this research is (1) to show the current level of the Saudi eGovernment program, and (2) to examine some eGovernment activities and to interview experienced and expert people to identify factors causing the delay of eGovernment initiatives or even impede its implementation. This research relies on the qualitative research approach and interviews to collect data for an in-depth understanding of this issue.