eGovernment research : time to switch direction

This concept paper reflects on e-government as a research field that still lacks the adequate support of a valid theoretical framework. We address this theme by first retracing the concepts inspiring current research, by which we mean a basic view founded on an epistemological choice. This will enable us to highlight specific and crucial differences of origin, and use these as a springboard for replacing sterile counter-positions with fruitful comparisons, productive also from the viewpoint of concrete practices. This article suggests—also in light of the international debate—the need to set e-government into a broader context, one open to the contributions of organisation theory. Embracing a fresh perspective can strengthen our theoretical underpinnings and enable us to not only advance our understanding of the phenomena, but also build a more convincing and aware knowledge base.