Convergence in ICT use expectations between the public and private sectors : An imperative or an indicator of efficiency?

Purpose – Examination of the challenges of dependence on the private sector of public‐sector projects is the central concern of the paper. With ongoing research suggesting that dependence on the private sector is inevitable, this paper tries to assess whether the dependence is an imperative or a yardstick for gauging efficiency. Design/methodology/approach – A literature review, consideration of flagship projects as well as trends in implementation of ICTs in government have been central to the development of analysis for the paper. Findings – The research found that when the public sector is interested in developing applications that require acceptance among citizens, then initial support of the private sector is a necessity. Countries that have depended on strict government control on delivery of internet‐based services are finding out that a degree of independence at the point of delivery tends to be more effective. It is only after a passage of time post rolling out of web‐based delivery of services that measurement of service quality can be deemed to be a measure of efficiency. Research limitations/implications – This research was desk‐based and reliant on international flagship initiatives. There is a wide range of resource endowments between developed and developing nations. This research showed that developed nations are more appropriate for study of efficiency through private‐sector involvement, and private‐sector engagement in web‐based government initiatives is an imperative in the case of developing nations. Practical implications – Government agencies ought to be able to think more expansively when they are developing applications for citizens, as there are a variety of private sector solutions that can be used. Originality/value – The theme itself is new in a context where new ways of running government projects are constantly being revisited.