Strategic insights into an E-governance project - A Case study of AGMARKNET based on SAP-LAP Framework

Several Governments, across the globe, are in pursuit of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) based solutions for facilitating good governance. While technology related issues are gradually becoming less critical, resolving implementation related issues still remain a daunting task. The implementation of ICT based applications becomes much more difficult when it involves actors and processes beyond the purview of an organization. The complex interplay of such actors and processes cause emergence of turbulent situations which are often difficult to handle. E-governance projects fall under this category. NICNET based Agricultural Marketing Information System (AGMARKNET) in India is a typical example of intricacies involved in implementing an e-governance project in a federal structure. The loose relationships among the implementing agencies involved in AGMARKNET coupled with the low success rates of e-governance projects in developing countries have prompted the author* The views expressed are personal and not those of the organization to which the author belongs, to conduct a detailed study of this project from strategy perspective. The exploratory study throws light on importance of strategy in egovernance and has also helped in formulating research propositions to be validated as part of future work.

* The views expressed are personal and not those of the organization to which the author belongs.