The Efficacy of E-Governance in Implementing Local Economic Development (LED)

Description

Page: 1267-1273

Maela Khutso Delphus (Department of Public and Development Administration, University of Venda, South Africa)

E-governance (online governance) has become vital in promoting Local Economic Development (LED), especially in a world increasingly driven by technology, digital transformation, and data-driven decision-making. Through New Public Management theory, this paper seeks to probe the importance of E-governance in facilitating LED implementation. The paper theoretically investigates the challenges encountered in LED implementation and calls for e-governance for resolution. Moreover, this paper seeks to encourage and compel the policymakers or legislative authorities in South Africa to consider the effective implementation of online governance for effective LED. The contribution of “The Efficacy of E-Governance in LED at both global and national levels can be understood through its impact on policy development, capacity building, knowledge dissemination, and innovation in governance. This paper is conceptual, and it heavily relies on secondary data. Through exclusion criteria for literature, this paper examines the efficacy of e-governance in the implementation of LED. The qualitative research method will support the paper by gathering the existing information related to the topic. In probing LED, this paper found that e-governance plays a vital role in facilitating the implementation of LED. E-governance supports SDG Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, & Strong Institutions) by promoting transparency and effective governance. The paper recommends that the state have the administrative capacity, participation tools, and public-private partnerships to enhance local economic development effectively.