A Shared Vision for Digital Technology and Governance: The Role of Governance in Ensuring Digital Technologies Contribute to Development and Mitigate Risk

The benefits of governing through digital technologies are well recognized; however, growing recognition of the risks of digital technologies require similar acknowledgement of the importance of the governance of digital technologies. It is well-known that digital technologies can help transform governance and service delivery, enabling efficiency, inclusion, and accountability. However, these technologies are not neutral and introduce new risks that challenge their developmental potential. This paper documents these benefits and risks and argues for effective governance of digital technologies to mitigate these challenges. Three recommendations are made to support this: adopting a politically informed approach to digital transformation, addressing the governance gap and building digital public infrastructure for the public sphere.