Competitive advantage of nations: Lessons from government-initiated industry-wide IT projects in Singapore

Abstract

Information Technology (IT) in general and the Internet in particular have had a profound impact on business, global trade and governance. In this age of global competition, domestic conditions affecting companies' corporate strategy and business performance are becoming of even greater importance. Many governments now increasingly intervene, through initiation of industry-wide IT projects, to shape a favorable home base for companies seeking international competitive advantage. In this study, we first propose a preliminary theoretical framework to guide governmental intervention in the IT arena by drawing upon existing literature on business strategy and planned change. We then demonstrate and refine the applicability of this framework in the context of several key industry-wide IT projects that have been implemented by the Singapore Government. Based on the empirical data collected, we also evaluate the success of these initiatives by examining the perceptions of the various stakeholders affected by these interventions.