ODR in E-Government and Obstacles to Developing Countries

Many developed countries consider e-government to be an essential strategy to modernizing government. Undoubtedly it is imperative that ODR be incorporated into e-government strategies because not only will ODR free up court resources but ODR is generally cheaper, quicker and less adversarial. However, there is a `digital divide´ existing between developed and developing counties in utilizing ODR, although some developing counties have already begun to recognize the potential that ODR offer and made some achievement. But the ability to realize the potential gains from e-government and ODR is dependent on a number of variables such as political support, the existence of an adequate legal framework, available funds and infrastructure, technical and security factors and cultural changes. Only when the necessary steps have been taken by governments in developing countries to provide their citizens with access to ODR, we will be a lot closer to overcoming the digital divide.