Search

E-government describes governments’ efforts to use information technology to improve the efficiency of government services. While the positive aspects of e-government are evident from an organisational point of view, individuals can either accept or decline e-government solutions and governments aim to increase citizen acceptance of their e-government initiatives. There is a wide range of literature with so-called technology acceptance models to study population acceptance of e-government. However, these models have some shortcomings regarding the planned implementation of tangible systems in the public sector (ex-ante acceptance). We, therefore, propose a revised model of information system acceptance in the public sector, the GISAM, and apply it to the case of the 2021 ballot proposal on electronic identity (e-ID) introduction in Switzerland. Using the VOX dataset allows us to examine the survey data of 2,092 Swiss citizens, covering their voting decisions and reasons for them, and several socio-demographic and socio-economic variables. Our findings show that a broad range of factors influences voter acceptance of e-ID. Contrary to traditional technology acceptance models, the results of this study suggest that individual attitudes towards digitisation play a significant role in technology adoption in the e-ID context. Future research should investigate the case of ex-ante technology acceptance more deeply.

Because of the Schaffhausen population’s needs regarding more flexibility of authorities, an augmented importance of online services and increases in (cyber) security awareness, the e-government committee (eGov-Kernteam) of the Canton of Schaffhausen decided to pilot the electronic identity 'Schaffhauser eID+' to ultimately allow for efficient and effective Smart Government processes.* The aim of this practice article is to show how the Canton of Schaffhausen adopted a co-design approach to introduce its electronic identity and to set out key findings regarding the introduction of a technology-based public service innovation. Based on the strategic approach of a ‘testing laboratory’, co-design methodology was used through conducting usability tests and semi-structured interviews with selected individuals. The optimization suggestions collected were subsequently evaluated and reintegrated. Furthermore, the collected data were used to analyze the acceptance of the 'Schaffhauser eID+'. This piloting procedure in cooperation with citizens unites several advantages: modest budgets, rapid and more targeted product changes and, in the sense of co-design, positive spillovers with regard to acceptance and legitimacy. In reference to Smart Government and to ensure ongoing civic participation, the co-design approach should also be considered in the further development of any E-ID or Smart Government project.