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Fostering digital innovations to accelerate service delivery in South African Local Government

Author

Listed:
  • Elvin Shava

    (University of Johannesburg)

  • Shikha Vyas-Doorgapersad

    (University of Johannesburg)

Abstract

Service delivery protests in the recent past demonstrate the dire state of local government in South Africa. The absence of public sector innovation can be linked to service delivery backlogs hence embracing digital innovations (Internet of Things (IoT), Big data and analytics, cloud, Biometrics, computers, mobile applications, 3D machines) in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is strategic for enhancing municipal service provision and uplifting the living standards of citizens in communities. The study utilised an explorative qualitative case study design premised on an extensive literature and document review analysis to examine the barriers facing the City of Tshwane from adopting digital innovations in the 4IR. The analysis of documents revealed digital hesitancy, leadership void, lack of innovative research culture, weak municipal preparedness, and digital divide in adopting digital innovations are barriers to digital innovation adoption to enhance service delivery. The paper observes further the lack of systematic and evaluative studies to inform public sector innovation, or growth in digital innovations often led to implementation challenges in the City of Tshwane. Conclusions drawn for the article revealed that adopting digital innovations can be the panacea to accelerating urban service delivery in the City of Tshwane; hence institutional readiness, improved revenue streams, including a stable regulatory and policy environment, are imperatives in achieving a digitalised local government in the 4IR. Key Words:Digital Innovations, Service Delivery, Public sector Innovation, Local government

Suggested Citation

  • Elvin Shava & Shikha Vyas-Doorgapersad, 2022. "Fostering digital innovations to accelerate service delivery in South African Local Government," International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147-4478), Center for the Strategic Studies in Business and Finance, vol. 11(2), pages 83-91, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:rbs:ijbrss:v:11:y:2022:i:2:p:83-91
    DOI: 10.20525/ijrbs.v11i2.1610
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Sarah Sibiya & Shikha Vyas-Doorgapersad, 2023. "Skills development for improved employee performance in South African municipalities," Insights into Regional Development, VsI Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Center, vol. 5(4), pages 10-22, December.

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