Mapping the Pathways: Stigmergy Theory as a Lens for Analyzing e-Participation

This study explores drivers of e-participation using archival data from 145 countries (2012–2020), guided by stigmergy theory. Results show that adult literacy, ICT-based government services, and household Internet access positively influence e-participation. However, Internet access does not sustain long-term global growth. Literacy promotes Internet access but does not impact basic services’ growth, potentially excluding low-literacy populations. Countries with higher literacy and basic services see slower growth, suggesting diminishing returns. These findings emphasize that factors influencing e-participation evolve with development, offering insights for public administrations to create inclusive strategies for sustainable digital engagement.