The Neglect of Technology in Theories of Policy Change

Abstract

This paper presents an analysis of the impact of e-government studies on theories of policy change. A literature review of key journals in the policy sciences shows that in these journals the relation between technology and policy change receives little attention. Whilst more nuanced analyses of technology and policy change are presented in e-government journals, the major journals of policy sciences do not fully take the lessons into account. We argue that e-government studies could, and should, contribute to theory development in the policy sciences. The paper presents some guidelines to broaden the impact of e-government studies and strengthen academic work on policy change.