Exploring the case of a local food bank to understand information technology use in government information networks

Abstract

Information technologies are transforming many aspects of society, enabling new solutions to the problems governments are facing. The challenges brought up by the way cities around the world are evolving and growing demand new forms of cooperation among public and private entities. Government Information Networks are a form of organizing such cooperation that aim at achieving sustainable societies while managing to offer good quality of life to citizens and respond to growing community needs and demands. Existing studies on government networks overlooked the role of information technology in the establishment, operation, and management of these networks. This research intends to focus on understanding how information technology is used in Government Information Networks, exploring a case study regarding the Emergency Food Network created in Portugal during the Covid-19 pandemic.