Reconfiguring the political value chain : the potential role of Web services

A new technological standard, called 'Web services' has recently made its first appearance in the Web technologies arena. Our question here is: what is the role of Web services for eGovernment? In the present contribution, the concept of 'political value chain' is introduced and the process of value reconfiguration is illustrated, evidencing one of the potential roles of IT on administrative activities: the facilitation of 'citizen value' creation activities connection. A brief illustration of the Web services technology is then given, finally exploring its potential for e-Government activities and the related research issues.