Law, technology and policies: a complex negotiation to generate value

Literature has largely investigated how information and communication technologies (ICTs) are a relevant instrument to support public sector reforms. This paper contributes this literature analyzing how technology shape the trajectory of a public policies designed into legal frameworks. The paper builds on the findings of the case study of the Italian legislation that introduced an electronic market portal to increase the openness, transparency and efficiency of the market for foreclosed properties. The legislation aimed at reducing the economic and social impact of an inefficient market for foreclosed properties. The paper contributes to the e-government literature highlighting the impact that the design choice of an electronic market portal impact upon the legislative outcomes that have informed its design. Moreover, the paper provides valuable insights for policymakers to help designing more effective e-government policies. The paper shows that the functionalities of technology shall be considered and analyzed during the lawmaking process to assure that the outcome of the process is not drifted by the technological deployment.