Limits and Potential for eGov and Smart City in Local Government: A Cluster Analysis Concerning ICT Infrastructure and Use

摘要

This study explore ICT infrastructure in the towns of Parana State, reflecting on the potential and limits of ICT in the local government and the possibilities of these cities developing into smart cities. A quantitative study was conducted using multivariate data analysis techniques. The data are secondary and were obtained through a Municipal Basic Information Study in Brazil in 2012. The main result was the identification of five distinct municipal clusters in terms of ICT use and infrastructure. The size of a town is not a determining factor for towns to use and make web based services available to its citizens. Many towns remain lacking in basic infrastructure, with every profile showing different needs. There are a few strong patterns of eGov development and local conditions that could be treated as the foundation for some different policy packages that would be appropriate in these five situations. There are aspects that characterize the challenges and potential of towns than the emphasis placed on eGov. These aspects should be considered in studies of eGov and smart city.