ALBANY, N.Y. (February 6, 2007) -- The University at Albany's Center for Technology in Government (CTG) has announced the first annual Institute on International Digital Government Research. The Institute, which is geared toward doctoral students from around the world who are interested in international digital government research, will be a week-long, intensive residential program focused on ways to advance, study, and understand digital government research in an international context. The Institute will take place July 8-14, 2007 in New York City.
This year's Institute will be organized around the theme of "the city" as a coherent unit of government that operates within a larger world and includes both academic activities and practical field visits. The faculty team comprises internationally known researchers from a variety of prominent academic institutions as well as senior government officials from the City of New York. Approximately 25 students will be admitted.
"Digital government is a global phenomenon that is changing the capabilities of government, the expectations of citizens, and the nature of related scholarship," said Sharon Dawes, director of CTG and faculty leader for the Institute. "The overall goal of the Institute is to help young scholars develop an appreciation for the global impact of information and communication technologies on the public sector."
Digital government research is broadly defined as encompassing inquiry at the intersections of computing research, social, political, and behavioral science research, and the problems and missions of government. "DG research can focus on building advanced technology that addresses key governmental challenges from the perspective of both the government and the public," said Valerie Gregg, assistant director for development, Information Sciences Institute, University of Southern California, and partner on the project.
In addition to Dawes, the faculty includes:
- Alan Borning, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Washington
- Anthony Cresswell, CTG and Department of Informatics, University at Albany
- Stephen Curwell, Department of Built Environment, University of Salford, U.K.
- Theresa Pardo, CTG and Department of Public Administration and Policy, University at Albany
- Denis Simon, Levin Graduate Institute of International Relations and Commerce
These and other internationally known researchers will share their expertise and experiences and lead discussion groups on such topics as cross-cultural research, urban regeneration and simulation, interorganizational information sharing and integration, security, and digital government research frameworks. Senior government officials from New York City, including Gale Brewer, City Council Member and chair of the Council's Technology in Government Committee, will serve as guest faculty and hosts of site visits to agencies that use information and communication technology, along with innovative public management approaches, to provide services to citizens and to support the ongoing business, regulatory, and policy processes of City government.
The Institute is hosted by CTG and supported by the US National Science Foundation (NSF) as part of a larger four year $1 million grant from NSF to build and sustain an international digital government research community. Other major activities included in the grant are a reconnaissance study describing the current status of international digital government (DG) research and a framework for supporting the formation of several international working groups. This project is being carried out in partnership with the Digital Government Research Center (DGRC) at the Information Sciences Institute, University of Southern California. More information on the Institute is available on the CTG web site.
The Center for Technology in Government is an applied research center devoted to improving government and public services through policy, management, and technology innovation. The Center, located at the University at Albany, works with government to develop well-informed information strategies that foster innovation and enhances the quality and coordination of public services. For more information, visit the Center for Technology in Government's web site.
