Managing the development of e-ID in a public e-service context

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse and understand the contemporary management of electronic identification (e-ID) development to: identify and formulate challenges and reflect upon the use of a combination of perspectives. To generate knowledge on this issue, we investigate e-ID development in Sweden from: an e-government systems development lifecycle perspective and a project challenge and critical success factor (CSF) perspective. Design/methodology/approach This is a qualitative case study covering an analysis of the three years in a larger project focusing e-ID in a public e-service setting. Empirical sources have been face-to-face interviews; official documents and different kind of forums for presentations and discussions in, for example, hearings arranged by authorities; meetings with the coordinating agency, and practitioners’ networks events. Findings This study concludes that there are significant challenges involved in managing e-ID development because of its contextual and integrated character. Challenges involve the organization and management of the program and can be traced back to e-government, general project management literature and theory on path dependency. Based on this study, we can question, e.g. governance models, centralization and a narrow focus on the technical artefact. Our study is also an illustration of a possible way to analyse e-ID within an e-government initiative. Research limitations/implications The present study shows that an e-ID can be considered as a back office-enabler for launching e-services, but also highlights the need for management of the artefact as an integral part of e-service development because it is intertwined with the use of e-services from a user perspective. This aspect together with the insights related to challenges and success factors including path dependency provides implications for future practice of e-ID management and development in particular and information systems artefact development in general. Originality/value This paper addresses challenges related to the development of e-ID in a public e-service setting. Few studies have theoretically combined a lifecycle perspective on challenges and success factors related to e-ID development while also focusing different dimensions of path dependency as an example of a challenging area within a program frame. Studying e-ID as a contemporary phenomenon from a contextual perspective in line with sociomaterial thinking – with a focus on the interplay between technology and people –can also help us to understand and discuss artefact development in general.

National Identification Systems As Enablers of Online Identity

“…Sweden's BankID serves as a stellar example of a national digital identity system that is successful in delivering a comprehensive solution for online identification, authentication, and signing transactions digitally [40]. Its launch in 2003 marked a significant milestone in the country's digital governance initiative and the identification system's impact and success span various sectors including banking, governmental services, and other private organisations.…”

Realizing digital identity in government: Prioritizing design and implementation objectives for Aadhaar in India

“…The utility, design and governance of digital identity system is an emerging area of research which has not been studied much (McKinsey, 2019). Development, governance and implementation of e-ID for public e-service delivery is quite challenging and requires a lot coordination (Melin, Axelsson, & Söderström, 2016). Some Journals have published special issues specifically for electronic identity and eGovernment related research covering the multi-dimensional perspectives of e-IDs and its challenges and applications (Gal & Whitley, 2011;Irani et al, 2016;Meier & Terán, 2019;Whitley, Gal, & Kjaergaard, 2014).…”

Configurational Analysis of Infrastructuring in Digital Identity Platforms

“…Digital identity is important for society as it augments effectiveness of public governance. Effectiveness of public governance is its ability to ensure that welfare measures undertaken by government reaches intended beneficiaries, and digital identity can facilitate this aim (Melin et al, 2016). Increased effectiveness of public governance is possible using digital identity since it ensures targeted delivery, less leakage, and reduced overhead cost (Mukhopadhyay et al, 2019).…”