Chapter 19 Participation Simulation Exercise And Lead

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Digital divide • Access to information and communications technology (ICT) • Divide takes place when developing countries go backwards on technology, and developed countries advance exponentially. • Increasingly difficult for lagging countries • Chapter addresses the need to bridge the digital gap within and across countries. • eParticipation • Increasing utilization, application and adaptation of ICT in eGovernance • Key to bridging the digital divide • Lagging countries need ICT capacity to support eParticipation • Nigeria • Sample case • Leaders not well versed in technology • How can eParticipation and leadership training bridge the digital divide?

Theoretical Framework • Theories of eParticipation capacity application • Structuration theory • Structures are produced and altered as a result of human activity (i.e. as a response to needs) • Institutional theory • Institutional environment influences existing structures by incorporating innovative new ideas • Actor-Network theory • Individuals are separate actors • Relationships between actors are mapped, forming networks • All influence • The framework presented yields to the proposition that complex situations might appear simpler. • The framework GENERATE: 1) Principles, 2) Practices AS COMMON DENOMINATORS. • This proposition is use to test and apply the hypothesis that eParticipation can bridge the digital divide.

Application of eParticipation in Simulation Exercise • Digital Opportunity Index (DOI) • Operates on a e-index - ICT performance indicators • eParticipation when applied to simulation exercises • Involve use of ICT as tools • ICT tools in eParticipation include • Connection devices • Visualization and engagement software • Social media interaction

Leadership Training in Nigeria • National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) • Nigerian leadership training institution • Government think tank: serves as center for research, lectures, workshops, seminars, and other courses to achieve the national goals. • Crisis Simulation Game • Players are briefed on theme, rules, roles, scenario • Participants are encourage to show and make the event as real as possible. • Players are encourage to use equipment, and electronic gadgets for enhancement of performance. • Study game theme was “political zoning” • Nigerian application of eParticipation is basic • Less sophisticated than most other nations • Lagging behind generally • Personnel were eager to incorporate more advanced ICT

Conclusions • Nigerian NIPSS Crisis Simulation Game • Case study for assessing digital divide • Main conclusion: digital divide is a global problem • Not a local one • Must be addressed from the bottom up • Recommendations • eParticipation must be more globally available • Less developed countries must prioritize move toward eGovernance • Citizens must be encouraged to engage in eParticipation • eParticipation, eGovernance, and eDemocracy legislation is beneficial at all levels of government • The UN should continue to improve programs that support eParticipation

Paper For Above instruction

The digital divide remains one of the most pressing challenges in the global pursuit of inclusive development and equitable access to information technology. This disparity, characterized by unequal access to information and communication technology (ICT), exacerbates economic and social inequalities between developed and developing nations. Developing countries often fall behind as technological advancements are made rapidly in wealthier nations, leaving their populations marginalized in the digital era. Addressing this divide requires comprehensive strategies that leverage eParticipation, leadership training, and ICT capacity building, particularly in countries like Nigeria, where infrastructural and technological gaps persist.

Introduction

The digital divide manifests when developing nations experience setbacks in technological infrastructure while developed countries expand their digital capabilities exponentially. This disparity hinders social, political, and economic development, emphasizing the urgency of bridging the gap. Enhancing access to ICT and integrating eParticipation in governance processes lend powerful tools to narrow this divide. However, effectively deploying these strategies demands understanding theoretical frameworks that elucidate how technological inclusion can be achieved and sustained.

Theoretical Framework

Several theories underpin the application of eParticipation in bridging the digital divide. Structuration theory suggests that social systems and structures are continuously produced and redefined through human activities responding to needs (Giddens, 1984). This implies that ICT and eParticipation initiatives can reshape governance frameworks. Institutional theory emphasizes that the institutional environment influences the adoption and adaptation of innovative ideas, making it essential to foster supportive policy environments (Scott, 2014). Actor-network theory focuses on the relationships among autonomous actors—individuals, organizations, and technologies—and how their interactions create networks that facilitate or hinder digital inclusion (Latour, 2005). Collectively, these theories support the proposition that combining principles and practices of eParticipation can simplify complex societal challenges, thereby bridging the digital divide (Bishop & Borda, 2019).

Application of eParticipation

The use of digital tools during simulation exercises exemplifies how eParticipation can enhance engagement and information dissemination. The Digital Opportunity Index (DOI), based on ICT performance indicators, serves as a quantitative measure of a country’s readiness to participate digitally. By employing tools such as visualization software, social media platforms, and connection devices, governments and institutions can foster greater citizen involvement (OECD, 2011). In Nigeria, applying eParticipation in simulation exercises like the Digital Opportunity Index reveals the country's infrastructural strengths and gaps, guiding targeted interventions.

Leadership Training in Nigeria

Leadership capacity building forms a cornerstone of Nigeria’s efforts to advance digital participation. The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) is instrumental in training leaders through workshops, seminars, and simulation games tailored to policy challenges. The crisis simulation game on political zoning exemplifies how eParticipation tools can be integrated into training exercises to simulate real-world scenarios (Fawole & Makinde, 2019). Participants are encouraged to use ICT gadgets during these exercises, reinforcing their familiarity with digital tools. Despite the basic levels of eParticipation application, Nigerian personnel demonstrate eagerness to adopt more sophisticated ICT solutions, underscoring the importance of continuous capacity development.

Conclusions

The Nigerian NIPSS crisis simulation case study underscores the global nature of the digital divide, emphasizing the need for a bottom-up approach that involves widespread eParticipation initiatives. For meaningful progress, less developed countries must prioritize eGovernance and foster citizen engagement in digital platforms. International organizations like the UN have a vital role in supporting these efforts through programs aimed at capacity development and technological dissemination. The collective goal remains to democratize eParticipation, ensuring equitable access to the benefits of digital technologies across all nations and sectors.

References

• Bishop, P., & Borda, R. (2019). Collaborative governance and eParticipation: The potential for social innovation. Government Information Quarterly, 36(2), 300-308.
• Fawole, O. & Makinde, O. (2019). Enhancing leadership capacity through simulation exercises in Nigeria. African Journal of Political Science, 24(1), 45-62.
• Giddens, A. (1984). The Constitution of Society: Outline of the Theory of Structuration. University of California Press.
• Latour, B. (2005). Reassembling the Social: An Introduction to Actor-Network-Theory. Oxford University Press.
• OECD. (2011). Digital Economy Outlook. OECD Publishing.
• Scott, W. R. (2014). Institutional Theory. Sage Publications.
• UN. (2020). United Nations e-Government Survey 2020: Digital Governance in the Decade of Action. United Nations Publishing.
• World Bank. (2016). World Development Report 2016: Digital Dividends. The World Bank.
• Akpan, E., & Ekanem, E. (2018). Bridging Nigeria’s Digital Divide: Strategic Approaches. Journal of Nigerian Technology, 9(2), 33-47.
• Ojo, T. (2020). The Role of ICT in Enhancing Governance: Nigeria’s Experience. International Journal of Information Management, 50, 167-175.