Public-Private ICT-Based Collaboration Initiative During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Case of Ehsaas Emergency Cash Program in Pakistan

HIGHLIGHTS

Case study approach is used to explore ICT-based collaboration initiative in Pakistan.

Collaboration between NADRA, SBP and local commercial banks, and telecom sector during the COVID-19.

Mobile fund transfer under “Ehsaas Emergency Cash” program.

Study contributes with COVID19, ICT, e-government, and cross sectoral collaboration.

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the application of the Pakistani government’s ICT-based public-private collaboration strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic. This investigation covers the Ehsaas Emergency Cash (EEC) program, from the beginning of the application to receiving of funds, which was developed by a collaborative mechanism involving the Pakistani government, National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), local commercial banks and the telecom sector. By investigating the EEC via the case study method, this paper provides insights to policymakers on how to replicate similar strategies in various country contexts via leveraging public-private collaboration, ICT technologies, and policymaking. This study contributes the COVID-19, ICT, e-government, and public-private collaboration literature via providing insight about current events and a model based on the case presented.

Keywords:
COVID-19; educational innovation; e-governance; ICT policy; public-private collaboration