Adaptability of E-Government Policy in Mongolia:
Comparative Study with Japan

The Government of Mongolia recognizes the importance of e-government in delivering public services to sparse population living in vast landlocked territory. Without clear vision and e-strategy, Mongolia may have difficulty in identifying what we need to do or how to prioritize our actions. This thesis seeks adaptability of e-government policy in Mongolia, based on comparative study with Japan by representing historical facts in logical and chronological sequences counting both nations’ culture, tradition and mentality.

Thesis consists of four key parts. First, the thesis summarizes e-government literatures. This theoretical part shows that e-government is a multidimensional and complex concept, which requires a broad definition and understanding, in order to be able to design and implement a successful strategy. Second, thesis reviews recent trends of the Mongolian public sector, ICT development and e-government, and conducts research on Japanese ICT sector, e-government with case studies on e-local government projects in Okayama prefecture and Yokosuka city. With support of academic research and JICA internship, these studies present the findings of the ICT and e-government initiatives that might affect government collaboration, citizen participation and PPP. Third, the thesis analyzes Mongolian e-government key challenges in comparison to Japan. The findings of study suggest that Mongolian government must seriously take into reconsideration of working style, business process reengineering, human resource management and financing arrangements. Mongolia also must quickly learn universal management techniques and create the basic skills for e-government. Finally, thesis argues that what lessons can Japan offer us about e-government policies in general? According to the adaptabilities of e-government in Mongolian society, this thesis presents eight important lessons learned from Japan about her best experiences on e-government. Furthermore, we should carefully study whether it fits Mongolian governance culture, tradition and society. It should become an integrated approach with regional development concept, MTFF, public service reform and good governance that improve public services, prevent corruption, involve PPP, support local government initiatives, build up citizen participation, promote open government and e-democracy, and protect personal information. The relationship between e-government and e-business is key issue in future research and practice.