Dr. Nagy K. Hanna is advisor, author, educator, and thought leader on digital transformation and innovation strategies. He has over 40 years of experience in advising countries and aid agencies on digital economy, e-transformation policies and strategies, e-government, public sector reform and governance, and innovation-driven development strategies. Dr. Hanna has been an advisor to governments, World Bank, and ICT multinationals; a senior fellow at the Center for Policy on Emerging Technologies; on editorial boards of several journals and book series on innovation; has taught at several universities; led development policy dialogues in many countries; published extensively; held diverse positions at the World Bank, including senior advisor on ICT strategies, development effectiveness, and corporate strategy. He holds a PhD from the University of Pennsylvania. nagyhanna@comcast.net

This book considers the opportunities and challenges of harnessing digital technologies for improved public services and governance. It focuses on the challenges of applying digital technologies in developing countries, where dramatic results can be realized. It addresses questions like these: How can digital technologies help enhance transparency, accountability, and participation to improve service design and delivery? Where are the opportunities to enhance key areas of governance and public service delivery? What are the promising practices to strengthen supply and mobilize demand for good governance and service delivery? What are the emerging lessons from recent experience? The author explains with real cases how ICT can be deployed to improve public sector efficiency and accountability for resource management; improve access and quality of public services for citizens; enhance transparency and reduce costs of government-business transactions, support entrepreneurship, attract private investment, and reduce the burden of regulation; and enhance the effectiveness of political oversight and policy institutions. This book details the importance of understanding the social, political, and institutional contexts and the policies that might scale up ICT for governance and public service improvement.