ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the role of information and communication technology (ICTs) in this respect. It describes the use of and satisfaction with ICT among Nordic regional and city politicians: to what extent do regional and city councillors make use of modern ICTs and how sophisticated is their digital competence. The chapter takes the study one step further by analysing ICT in relation to classical aspects of the politician's roles. Being an elected politician encompasses several political roles: ombudsman, representative, controller and decision-maker. It addresses directly a much vaunted positive relation between ICTs and conventional patterns of communication. The role as ombudsman primarily concerns general contact with and receiving information about citizens, non-governmental organizations, local businesses and industry. With regard to communication patterns, when analysing variation, the overall finding is that digital competence and as well as digital empowerment stimulate already well established patterns of communication.
