Determinants of eGovernment Maturity in the Transition Economies of Central and Eastern Europe

Abstract

Our research focuses on the possible determinants of eGovernment (E‑gov) maturity in the Transition Economies of Central and Eastern Europe (TEECE). E‑gov maturity, in this research, refers to the growth levels in a country’s online services and its citizens’ online participation in governance. Our study of the extant literature indicated that few have discussed the determinants of E‑gov maturity in TEECE. Studies from differing parts of the world are needed for theory development. Building on a prior framework, we used the contingency theory and the resource‑based view perspective to guide our discourse. In particular, we examined the relationships between macro‑environmental factors such as national wealth, technological infrastructure, rule of law, and so forth on E‑gov maturity. A 5‑year panel data of 16 TECEE selected from two main groupings was used for analysis in conjunction with structural equation modeling technique; the data consisted of 80 observations or data points. The data analysis underscored the relevance of such factors as technological infrastructure, rule of law, and human capital development as possible determinants of E‑gov maturity in TEECE. National wealth was found to be an enabler in the research conceptualization. The implications of our study’s findings for research and policy making are discussed.