Radio Frequency Identification: A Panacea for Governments?

Department

Political Science and International Affairs

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-2008

Abstract

Radio frequency identification (RFID) has been used to improve business supply chain management for over 35 years. As often happens, private sector technology migrates to the public sector where it is adapted for use. RFID use in governments is spreading far and wide at the federal and state levels with virtually no debate or performance analyses to inform adoption decisions. Implementation of RFID technology impacts government efficiency and effectiveness in many areas. Data show that most RFID applications promise enhanced effectiveness but also pose increased costs. A model is constructed to assist state and local managers in choosing to adopt RFID and to discern the status and impacts of this bold new innovation.

Journal Title

Public Organization Review

Journal ISSN

1566-7170

Volume

8

Issue

4

First Page

329

Last Page

345

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1007/s11115-008-0065-4

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