'Currently, the relationship between the OGCIO and government departments can be described as 'loosely coupled',' said a source familiar with government operations. 'Since the OGCIO does not have a strong enough influence and relationship with individual departments, the IT unit of most departments tend to follow their own business strategy rather than the overall e-government strategy.'

The source added that execution, particularly on enforcing technical standards and developing joint-department IT initiatives, is slow due to a lack of strong influence from OGCIO, as well as cooperation between departments.

'Although we have heard lots of good comments about how well our e-government projects are, I think it's more self-appraising,' said the source. 'Compared to governments in Canada and Australia, the [equivalent] office has more influence than ours. I think the reason is down to the relationship developed with other departments.'

Clear vision

The source also claimed the slow execution is a result of an unclear e-government strategy and direction.