Digital Government in North America: A Comparative Analysis of Policy and Program Priorities in Canada, Mexico, and the United States

Abstract

International digital government research has increased in the last 10 years. However, international research comparing or analyzing relevant problems for the North American region is scarce. In an effort to lay the foundation for new research in the context of North America, this chapter presents a comparative analysis of pol- icy and program priorities of digital government in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Common themes in the agendas of the three countries include services to the citizen, improved government operations, transparency, connectivity, and eco- nomic development. Main differences can be explained on the basis of differences in development. In general, we could say that the US government is renewing its e- government agenda, as a component of a wider innovation system. The government of Canada is also in a refreshing process, but more directed to consolidate a digital architecture for government services and operations, and Mexico is in the process of consolidating a digital government program