Jobe Pa Sulay, Yilmaz Murat, Ilgın Hüseyin Emre
Informatics Institute, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey.
Department of Computer Engineering, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey.
PLoS One. 2024 Dec 2;19(12):e0314388. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0314388. eCollection 2024.
This paper explores the integration of Metaverse technologies into the digital governance framework of The Gambia, in order to identify the sectors where these innovations can be implemented most effectively. Driven by the pursuit of cutting-edge solutions to improve governance, improve public service delivery, and promote citizen engagement, the study uses qualitative analysis methodologies, including interviews with Information Technology (IT) professionals and an examination of government reports. Through the application of NVivo software for data analysis, essential themes and areas suitable for Metaverse applications were uncovered. These include the potential of the Metaverse to fundamentally transform sectors such as education, public service, infrastructure development, urban planning, and cultural heritage tourism. Despite recognizing the capacity of the Metaverse for transformative impact, this research identifies significant obstacles, including technical infrastructure readiness, ethical issues, and the need for policy reform. The findings highlight the need to address these challenges through substantial improvements in digital infrastructure, literacy, ethical guidelines, and policy frameworks. The study calls for a multistakeholder collaboration model, which incorporates government, the private sector, academia, and international bodies, to ensure the successful integration of the Metaverse into the digital governance of The Gambia. Offering comprehensive insights and strategic recommendations, this research underscores the collective effort required of all stakeholders to harness the full potential of the Metaverse, thus facilitating an inclusive and efficient digital governance ecosystem in the Gambia.
本文探讨了将元宇宙技术融入冈比亚数字治理框架的问题，以确定这些创新能够得到最有效实施的领域。在追求前沿解决方案以改善治理、提升公共服务交付水平并促进公民参与的驱动下，该研究采用了定性分析方法，包括对信息技术（IT）专业人员的访谈以及对政府报告的审查。通过应用NVivo软件进行数据分析，发现了适合元宇宙应用的关键主题和领域。这些领域包括元宇宙从根本上改变教育、公共服务、基础设施发展、城市规划和文化遗产旅游等部门的潜力。尽管认识到元宇宙具有变革性影响的能力，但本研究也指出了重大障碍，包括技术基础设施的准备情况、伦理问题以及政策改革的必要性。研究结果强调需要通过大幅改善数字基础设施、数字素养、伦理准则和政策框架来应对这些挑战。该研究呼吁建立一种多利益相关方合作模式，其中包括政府、私营部门、学术界和国际机构，以确保元宇宙成功融入冈比亚的数字治理。这项研究提供了全面的见解和战略建议，强调了所有利益相关方为充分发挥元宇宙的潜力而需要共同做出的努力，从而在冈比亚促进一个包容且高效的数字治理生态系统。
