Technology and Public Policy

Following the lead of the private sector, many governments are now modernizing their programs. Modernization in the government or public sector refers to many different efforts, including changes in organizational structures and administrative functions, increased partnering arrangements and collaboration, and technological innovations. Although governments often view these as interconnected, the use of technology, or the e-government movement, is perhaps the change most felt by low-income individuals. In particular, technological advances connecting poor individuals with public benefits and services have great implications for antipoverty public policies. The use of the Internet by state governments in both providing services and interacting with citizens is widespread. All U.S. states now have a Web site, and many nations are following this lead. Moreover, an increasing number of U.S. federal ...