Public Policies of e-Government and e-Democracy: the case of Uruguay in the light of the Multiple-Streams Framework.

Abstract

Uruguay has been showing international recognition for its performance in e-government and digital democracy. This article analyzes the development of Uruguayan e-government and e-democracy public policy in the period of 2005-2020. The analysis is based on the Multiple Streams Framework, which consists of identifying and coupling the streams of problems, policies and politics, aiming to describe the process of change and problems additions into the public agenda. A highly mature e-government is considered a necessary condition for the development of e-democracy. The research results show that the case of Uruguay supports this hypothesis. The policy analysis reveals the convergence or coupling of: i- technical and social problems recognized by the executive branch; ii- solutions with technical and political feasibility; iii- a national political mood propitious to reforms. Finally, it highlights the role of political entrepreneurs as couplers of streams and channelers of “windows of opportunity” for political change and innovation.