Leveraging Digital Infrastructure for Pandemic Governance: Preparation, Praxis, and Paradox

Abstract

Many cities around the world have adopted digital technologies to combat COVID-19, but they have experienced varying degrees of success. This research developed an analytical framework involving the components of “preparation”, “praxis”, and “paradox” regarding a city’s leveraging of digital infrastructure for pandemic governance. Then, the case of Hangzhou is employed to illustrate this framework. This research finds that (1) the application of digital technologies should be a systematic arrangement based on institutional and technological preparations, (2) innovative governance instruments supported by digital infrastructure can be developed to respond to a variety of practical scenarios, and (3) adopting a paradox lens aids in mitigating potential negative socio-economic consequences. This research suggests that leveraging digital infrastructure for pandemic governance requires a coherent system that has the potential to aid cities around the world in better managing public health crises going forward.

Keywords:

• COVID-19
• digital infrastructure
• digital technology
• emergency management
• pandemic governance

Notes

1 In the interview quotations, the interviewees of government staff are represented by G, IT company staffs are represented by T, property management company staffs are represented by M, and residents are represented by R.

Additional information

Funding

This work was funded by (1) the National Natural Science Foundation of China [71874154] and(2) Center for Balance Architecture, Zhejiang University.