Propose a Proper Model for E-Societies's Readiness Assessment (Case Study: E-Cities in Developing Countries)

The Knowledge Economy(KE) is emerging from two defining forces: the rise in knowledge intensity of economic activities, and the increasing globalization of economic affairs. The rise in knowledge intensity is being driven by the combined forces of the information technology revolution and the increasing pace of technological change(Montazer et al,2006).Globalization is being driven by national and international deregulation, and by the Information Technology (IT) related revolution(Houghton and Sheehan, 2000). Recent years have seen the emergence of various electronic services in an attempt to facilitate everyday life and improve the way common tasks are being carried out(Rogerson,1999).Consequently, society and its organizations are becoming more dependent upon ICT as the means of providing information, the new life blood of society. Moreover, countries face the threat of being left behind if they do not address the growing digital divides both between and within countries(Montazer et al,2006).Decision-makers need to know where the country currently stands in terms of IT availability and use, so they can plan to achieve the goals in knowledge economy or knowledge society era. An e-readiness process based on an objective assessment that leads to sound e-strategies can offer a path for converting good intentions into planned action that brings real changes to people's lives (bridge.org, 2005).