1. GIS Diffusion in the Government of Dubai Ahmad BinTouq UAE University Tuesday:3 rd NOV 2009 (Defended! October 20, 2008)

2. INTRODUCTION The use of GIS continues to grow exponentially across the world. In particular, public agencies have been important user group adopting GIS both in the industrialized and developing countries (Foresman 1998, Gilfoyle and Thorpe 2004). Many scholars have argued that investigating the underlying processes of GIS practices within particular social, economic and political contexts is necessary, which forms an important basis for evaluating the use of GIS (Pickles 1995, Budic 1998). 2GIS DIFFUSION IN THE GOVERNMENT OF DUBAI

3. INTRODUCTION detailed organizational GIS in public agencies within non-western settings are still lacking. Since the mid 1990s, there have been significant investments in GIS by Dubai government. However, there is no conclusive evidence that GIS adoption resulted in implementation. 3GIS DIFFUSION IN THE GOVERNMENT OF DUBAI

4. INTRODUCTION: Statement of Purpose The purpose of this research is 1)to understand the extent, rate, problems, and benefits of GIS diffusion (conceptualize diffusion) 2)to describe GIS in the government of Dubai 4GIS DIFFUSION IN THE GOVERNMENT OF DUBAI

5. Benefits The research adds to a growing body of research seeking to better understand the state of GIS implementation across governmental departments and public organizations.

6. INTRODUCTION: Research Questions The interview questions that guided the study are: In the Government of Dubai (members of the extinctive council) (1) what are the main features of the GIS diffusion? (2) What are the main factors behind the GIS diffusion? (3) To what extent are the adoption and utilization of GIS facilitated or impeded by the institutional and organizational context? 6GIS DIFFUSION IN THE GOVERNMENT OF DUBAI

7. LITERATURE REVIEW Drawing upon critical GIS research and GIS implementation studies, a synthesized theoretical framework is developed to interrogate the nature and evolutionary process of Dubai’s government GIS practices. The analysis is focused on examining the role of broader social conditions, local contextual factors and organizational characteristics in shaping GIS development in Dubai government. 7GIS DIFFUSION IN THE GOVERNMENT OF DUBAI

8. LITERATURE REVIEW (cont’d) Diffusion of Innovation Theory (DOI), which is used frequently in information systems research to explain user adoption of technological innovations. Diffusion refers to “the process by which an innovation is communicated through certain channels over time among the members of a social society (Rogers 1995).” 8GIS DIFFUSION IN THE GOVERNMENT OF DUBAI

9. METHODS: Data, Cases, and Variables an in-depth case study research method is employed because it is well suited for exploring the relatively unknown process of GIS within specific social and geographic contexts. This research study involved both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods and analysis. The qualitative portion was composed of interviews and open-ended questions. The quantitative portion of this study included assessment and observation, which included counting of departments utilizing GIS and calculating the ratio of governmental departments utilizing GIS in Dubai. 9GIS DIFFUSION IN THE GOVERNMENT OF DUBAI

10. RESULTS: Departments DepartmentsGIS unitEstablishedStaffAuthority RTAYes20055000Roads DMYes195415000Zoning Dubai Police DepartmentYes195220000Safety and Security Dubai Land DepartmentYes1961450Real-estate DEWAYes19615000Water and Electricity 10GIS DIFFUSION IN THE GOVERNMENT OF DUBAI

11. RESULTS: Diffusion The results of the study suggest that there is 1) slow increase in diffusion of GIS in the Dubai public sector. While the majority of departments are aware of GIS, few have adopted the use of GIS 2) No training for staff was provided. 3) GIS is still at the early adoption stage, or at the very initial stage of the diffusion process. This stage is marked by a limited use of innovation. However, the level of awareness at this stage is high. 11GIS DIFFUSION IN THE GOVERNMENT OF DUBAI

12. RESULTS: Interviews with public departments indicated that 11 of the 18 agencies within the Dubai government have adopted GIS (61%). But only five have implemented GIS (33%). 12GIS DIFFUSION IN THE GOVERNMENT OF DUBAI

13. RESULTS: research questions Question 2: what are the main factors of GIS diffusion? QuestionReasons or suggestionFrequency Main factors of GIS diffusion process in government? Data sharing4 GIS accuracy1 Trust within government3 13GIS DIFFUSION IN THE GOVERNMENT OF DUBAI

14. RESULTS: observations and interviews. First, there is a lack of coordination in using GIS within Dubai government during 2008. Second, human and behavioral factors have influenced the spread of GIS in Dubai. Third, there is some staff apprehension about GIS usage that resulted in limited GIS application for government services. 14GIS DIFFUSION IN THE GOVERNMENT OF DUBAI

15. DISCUSSION (cont’d) More future of GIS growth lies within Dubai’s real-estate sector, and new developers seek to sell and build large areas within the free-hold zones (areas were non-locals can buy properties). The government is interested in GIS, but there is lack of support for GIS services as indicated by the limited number of users within government and the small amount of administrative support for GIS access. Only half the government departments have staff devoted to GIS services. 15GIS DIFFUSION IN THE GOVERNMENT OF DUBAI

16. DISCUSSION (cont’d) Among the most important findings of this study is that the use of GIS and computer-generated maps, is largely limited to a few departments and a narrow range of tasks in government services in Dubai. Only a small portion of the potential benefits of GIS are being realized at this time: Within DM planning and survey departments. Dubai Tourism, Commerce and Marketing department has contracted a private company to provide tourist with maps of Dubai DPD has contracted a private company to build its GIS. 16GIS DIFFUSION IN THE GOVERNMENT OF DUBAI

17. CONCLUSION The results of this study suggest there is a slow increase in diffusion of GIS in the Dubai public sector There is no training for staff interested in learning GIS. The diffusion of GIS is still in its early stages. GIS is still at the early adoption stage, or at the very initial stage of the diffusion process. 17GIS DIFFUSION IN THE GOVERNMENT OF DUBAI 2008