Photo: Sharon Dawes The University at Albany's Center for Technology in Government (CTG) announced the first annual Institute on International Digital Government Research. The Institute, which is geared toward doctoral students from around the world who are interested in international digital government research, will be a week-long, intensive residential program focused on ways to advance, study, and understand digital government research in an international context. The Institute will take place July 8-14, 2007 in New York City.

This year's Institute will be organized around the theme of "the city" as a coherent unit of government that operates within a larger world. It includes both academic activities and practical field visits. The faculty team comprises internationally known researchers from a variety of prominent academic institutions as well as senior government officials from the city of New York. Approximately 25 students will be admitted.

"Digital government is a global phenomenon that is changing the capabilities of government, the expectations of citizens, and the nature of related scholarship," said Sharon Dawes, director of CTG and faculty leader for the Institute. "The overall goal of the Institute is to help young scholars develop an appreciation for the global impact of information and communication technologies on the public sector."

Digital government research is broadly defined as encompassing inquiry at the intersections of computing research, social, political, and behavioral science research, and the problems and missions of government. Valerie Gregg, assistant director for development, Information Sciences Institute, University of Southern California, and partner on the project, said "DG research can focus on building advanced technology that addresses key governmental challenges from the perspective of both the government and the public."

In addition to Dawes, the faculty includes:

• Alan Borning, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Washington
• Anthony Cresswell, CTG and Department of Informatics, University at Albany/SUNY
• Stephen Curwell, Department of Built Environment, University of Salford, U.K.
• Theresa Pardo, CTG and Department of Public Administration and
  Policy, University at Albany/SUNY
• Denis Simon, Levin Graduate Institute of International Relations and Commerce.

These and other internationally known researchers will share their expertise and experiences and lead discussion groups on such topics as cross-cultural research, urban regeneration and simulation, interorganizational information sharing and integration, security, and digital government research frameworks. Senior government officials from New York City, including Gale Brewer, City Council member and chair of the Council's Technology in Government Committee, will serve as guest faculty and hosts of site visits to agencies that use information and communication technology, along with innovative public management approaches, to provide services to citizens and to support the ongoing business, regulatory, and policy processes of City government.
KW