The role of e-government in strengthening public sector governance

The new Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), like the internet, networks of computers, satellite transmission and mobile telephony, have created conditions for the emergence of Knowledge Societies. At this context, the State, through e-government, is the main instrument that people have now to face the challenges imposed by globalization, by way of unprecedented interactions among society, business and governments. This article aims to establish links between public sector governance and electronic government, from the theoretical referential landmark of those two great areas of study. After their purposes and limits of performance have been well delineated, its correlations are evidenced during the exposition of Brazilian electronic government actions: digital certification; transparency web site; electronic voting; electronic governmental purchases; and Social Welfare web site. In conclusion, notwithstanding the recent advances observed by the analysis of many dimensions of governance, based on initiatives of electronic government listed here, there is still a lot to do toward social inclusion in Brazil, as in other countries. ICT can be a powerful agent of digital inclusion by supporting the governance by the means of creation of virtual space for democratic participation and civic dialogue and expansion of taking part in collective decision-making, promoting equality and citizenship.