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Does e-government integration contribute to the quality and equality of local public services? Empirical evidence from China

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  • Zijun Mao

    (College of Public Administration, Huazhong University of Science and Technology
    Non-traditional Security Research Center, Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

  • Yuqian Zhu

    (College of Public Administration, Huazhong University of Science and Technology
    Non-traditional Security Research Center, Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

Abstract

Integrated e-government at different scales plays an increasingly important role in local public services worldwide. This study uses panel data from 31 provincial e-governments in China from 2015 to 2020 to investigate the effects of the intraprovincial e-government integration on the provincial quality and interprovincial equality of public services. The results show that integrated e-government effectively contributes to the quality and equality of public services. Mechanistic tests reveal that integrated e-government promotes service quality by improving administrative efficiency and supporting technological innovation. Under central government support, integrated e-government also improves the interprovincial equality of public services by reducing administrative inefficiency from decentralization and promoting technology diffusion. Moreover, e-government integration is a stronger driver of service quality and equality for provinces with low fiscal transparency. These findings provide theoretical and practical insights for promoting public service quality and equality through collaborative e-government.

Suggested Citation

  • Zijun Mao & Yuqian Zhu, 2025. "Does e-government integration contribute to the quality and equality of local public services? Empirical evidence from China," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 12(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:12:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-025-04539-y
    DOI: 10.1057/s41599-025-04539-y
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