Removing the Blinkers: What a process view learns about G2G information systems in Flanders (Part 2)

Abstract

Information sharing across the public sector is a precondition for innovation. The reality today is that data are scattered throughout administrative services. Creating government-to-government (G2G) information systems (IS) has the potential to sustain fluent data flows. Despite this potential, G2G IS projects fail to deliver the expected benefits. Factor research partially explains why so many G2G information systems fail. In this paper we take a broader perspective by applying process research to study six recurrent problems of Flemish G2G IS in their dynamic context. We test whether Sauer’s needs and support-power analysis can provide additional management insights concerning G2G IS projects. Our results, based on interviews and focus groups, show that seemingly controllable problems have much deeper roots that require managers’ action.