ABSTRACT
The information and communication technologies (ICTs) have been used so far in a rather conservative way in government. The chapter examines the balance sheet of e-government and e-governance, as well as an appeal for a new stage in e-governance practice. It discusses the balance sheet of e-governance practice, research, and thinking with a special focus on e-democracy is established. This balance sheet is highly critical, especially of the e-government literature, which has failed to see the very potential of ICTs for government transformation. Second, the conceptual framework is developed, which allow for greater potential of ICTs in politics. This conceptual framework has two coevolving elements, the transformation of government, the nation-state, and technological changes, especially in the areas of ICTs. Finally, the chapter focuses on conceptual framework on the question of policymaking in the network society, on e-democracy, especially the potential of the ICTs but also the institutional conditions for the technological potential for democracy.
