The boundaries of information sharing and integration: a case study in Taiwan e-government

The paper explores the various boundaries of cross-boundary information sharing and integration in the context of Taiwan e-Government by using an integrated framework of boundaries adopted from the literature. The discussion of the various boundaries provides a thorough lens to understand the complexity of cross-boundary information sharing and integration. The adopted framework of boundaries is proved to be a useful analytical tool to perceive various vertical and horizontal boundaries in the initiatives of cross-boundary information sharing and integration in different e-Government contexts. A new process boundary in the vertical dimension is also identified. In addition, centralized information systems in the case study can help to decrease boundaries. Lastly, it is also perceived that vertical boundaries are not always easier to cross than horizontal boundaries.