discussion

ITS 832 CHAPTER 19 EPARTICIPATION, SIMULATION EXERCISE AND LEADERSHIP TRAINING IN NIGERIA:

BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN A GLOBAL ECONOMY

DR. JORDON SHAW

OVERVIEW

• Introduction

• Theoretical Framework

• Application of eParticipation

• Leadership Training in Nigeria

• Conclusions

INTRODUCTION

• Digital divide • Access to information and communications technology (ICT)

• Increasingly difficult for lagging countries

• eParticipation • Increasing utilization of ICT in eGovernance

• Key to bridging the digital divide

• Lagging countries need ICT capacity to support eParticipation

• Nigeria • Sample case

• Leaders not well versed in technology

• How can eParticipation and leadership training bridge the digital divide?

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

• Theories of eParticipation capacity application • Structuration theory

• Structures are produced and altered as a result of human activity (i.e. as a response to needs)

• Institutional theory • Institutional environment influences existing structures by incorporating innovative new ideas

• Actor-Network theory • Individuals are separate actors

• Relationships between actors are mapped, forming networks

• All influence • Principles

• Practices

APPLICATION OF EPARTICIPATION IN SIMULATION EXERCISE

• Digital Opportunity Index (DOI) • ICT performance indicators

• eParticipation when applied to simulation exercises • Involve use of ICT as tools

• ICT tools in eParticipation include • Connection devices

• Visualization and engagement software

• Social media interaction

LEADERSHIP TRAINING IN NIGERIA

• National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) • Nigerian leadership training institution

• Government think tank

• Crisis Simulation Game • Players are briefed on theme, rules, roles, scenario

• Study game theme was “political zoning”

• Nigerian application of eParticipation is basic • Less sophisticated than most other nations

• Lagging behind generally

• Personnel were eager to incorporate more advanced ICT

CONCLUSIONS

• Nigerian NIPSS Crisis Simulation Game • Case study for assessing digital divide

• Main conclusion: digital divide is a global problem • Not a local one

• Must be addressed from the bottom up

• Recommendations • eParticipation must be more globally available

• Less developed countries must prioritize move toward eGovernance

• Citizens must be encouraged to engage in eParticipation

• eParticipation, eGovernance, and eDemocracy legislation is beneficial at all levels of government

• The UN should continue to improve programs that support eParticipation