In this article, the author sketches three dimensions of a research program that would have significant impact on European politics, economy and society. First, the design and political development of institutions is central to a mature research program, given the role played by these structures and systems in the capacity and behaviour of governments. Second, civil servants are the human actors within institutions who are the agents of change, the designers of the particularised elements of policy design and implementation, and the “nodes” of networked governance. Third, inequality reduction is one of the central tasks of a democratic society.

These three dimensions outline the critical structures, actors and purposes of eGovernment. Emerging technologies do not necessarily liberate and decentralise; they must be designed to do so. Inequalities stemming from globalization, increasing cultural complexity and marketisation require attention to eGovernment research priorities in order to focus them for maximum impact on society’s most pressing challenges.