The first issue of Information Polity for 2019 marks an important landmark, in that it is a year since we as Editors-in-Chief took charge of the journal.
Over the past year the journal has gone from strength to strength, and the journal can quite rightly claim to be one of the leading international publications for critical eGovernment and eDemocracy studies. During this period, we have overseen the introduction of Associate Editors, a revised submission process, a glossy new website (https://informationpolity.com) and a Twitter feed (@InformationPol2).

These changes are already starting to ‘bear fruit’, as evidenced by the sharp increase submissions, citations and also rejections. Of course, none of this has been possible without the support of the publisher, IOS Press, and we would like to state in print our gratitude to all those at IOS Press that help us realise each issue of the journal. This is no small undertaking and one which can sometimes be overlooked by the academics involved. We also have to place on record our thanks to all those academics who assist with the peer review process. Peer review is critical in ensuring the relevance and quality of the articles submitted to the journal, and is a process to which we give the upmost importance.

Last, but not least, we have to thank all the past and future authors who submit their work to the journal and who provide its dynamism and relevance. Whilst the journal is in an upwards trajectory we do not want to ‘rest upon our laurels’, and as such we have a number of plans for the coming year. For example, we envisage a revised set of author guidelines to be introduced, as well as the publication of special issues on contemporary topics like the Blockchain and Smart Cities, and to realise the long-term aspiration to have the journal listed in the Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI).

We will continue to publish book reviews, country reports and opinion pieces, and over the last year these have proved to be very popular. Of course, we will continue to publish cutting edge research and contributions to knowledge on information age governance and public service provision. This first issue of 2019 is a case in point. Here you will find original research and thought on: open government, smart cities, e-government adoption, corruption and the use of new technology in the democratic process, including within political party and civic settings. The breadth of topics covered highlight the degree to which new ICTs are deeply embedded in government and society, and consequently the ongoing contemporary significance of the journal Information Polity.

In this respect, our aspiration is for the journal to reach its full potential. We hope you enjoy the first 2019 issue of Information Polity, and as they say in broadcasting ‘watch this space. . .’

Editors-in-Chief

Professor Albert Meijer
Professor William Webster