Critical path-dependencies affecting digital government innovation in low-income countries: a case study from Woredas in Ethiopia

The paper aims to identify the path dependencies around existing government digital platforms. The study adopted a qualitative case study strategy using three Woredas (government administrative districts) in Ethiopia around their digital innovation of the WoredaNet (government digital platform). The path dependencies that significantly stifle digital innovation are mainly psychosocial and micro-political, technophobia, fear-based learning barriers and power conflicts which have developed into daily working processes. Another key finding is that a governance model where power is centralised does limit local digital innovation. The research provides insights for policymakers and officials to overcome critical path dependencies that limit digital innovation in government. This paper contributes to the ongoing discourse on how to implement government digital platforms in low-income countries through non-technical solutions but by scrutinising and examining social and political factors as well.