ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces a framework of reference with the help of which the cases will be analysed. It provides a distinction between three types of 'footprint' of information technologies in urban areas: access; content; and infrastructure. The chapter discusses the role of local governments and also introduces the concept of e-governance. It determines the quality and availability of local electronic content. The quality of the local electronic infrastructure is linked to both access and content. The chapter suggests that the functions of local manifestations dynamics can be represented as a local 'digital flywheel'. The chapter describes the capacity of local administrations, in a dialectic exchange with social organizations, citizens and firms, to deploy information and communications technologies to achieve urban policy goals. An important element of the description is the representation of councils for information technologies (ICTs) not as a means in themselves but as instrumental for the achievement of policy goals.
