دولت هوشمند – پتانسیل شبکه های هوشمند در دولت و اداره عمومی Smart Government – The Potential of Intelligent Networking in Government and Public Administration

I. RESEARCH QUESTION: INTELLIGENT NETWORKING FOR SMART GOVERNMENT The word “smart” has developed into a globally recognized term for the next level of digital development. At its core, it is about the intelligent networking of existing objects and networks that receive enhanced functionality through IT systems. They receive a virtual identity with which can be communicated. In German, the adjective “smart” is conventionally used for “quick, clever and shrewd,” “skillful, crafty, cute and brilliant” and “elegant, pretty and brisk”[7]. But the actual phenomenon behind the term “smart” can best be described with “increasing intelligent networking”. Currently the networking of diverse objects can be observed over time and space, using the most modern communication skills. These connected objects are accessible via the Internet. At the same time, they are able to communicate directly with other virtual objects. This small technical extension releases an enormous revolutionary potential for change that governments should not ignore. Until now however, definitions of smart government remain scarce. This paper thus addresses the question: What constitutes smart government? To answer this, the paper will firstly define smart objects and cyber-physical systems, the core components of smart government. It will then delimit this definition from other interpretations of the word “smart” and subsequently define smart government. One scenario will be presented to illustrate the potential of smart objects and CPS for administration. It will then conduct a SWOT analysis for smart government and describe in detail strengths and opportunities as well as weaknesses and threats. It will conclude with discussing an agenda for further research.