The capabilities required for being successful in complex product systems: case study of Korean e-government

Korea has maintained its world-class leadership in e-government since 2010. The present study aims to identify how Korea achieved such a success in e-government from a complex product systems (CoPS) perspective. We confirm that e-government belongs to CoPS and suggest comprehensive capabilities required for succeeding in CoPS. We also examine Korea's success in terms of three capabilities: close networking, acquiring knowledge and leveraging policy and institutions. We identify that direct reporting to the president, a virtuous circle between Korean chaebols and the government, continuous investments into ICT infrastructure and enactment of proper legislation are very important for Korea's success.