Digital Continuity Practices in Municipalities: A Study on Municipalities in Istanbul

Abstract

The development of information technologies and the creation of applications has ensured that access to corporate information and records can be achieved independently of time and place. However, the digital continuity of digital information is at risk because the above transformation is sometimes not carried in conjunction with the necessary policies. This paper examines the degree to which digital continuity is practised and embedded across municipalities in Istanbul, and aims to determine their digital continuity risk exposure. Digital continuity relates to the ability to access and use digital information for as long as is necessary for business activities. Crucially, digital information created by organisations in the course of their business activities should be trustworthy. Digital continuity is not just about technology, it is about an organisation ensuring that it has the right policies and practices in place for the management of born-digital information so that it remains usable over time. The digital age has rendered the management of information more complicated especially given that digital information is more vulnerable, and within this framework, this study aims to survey municipalities on the topic of awareness of digital continuity practices. This study determines the extent to which a sample of Istanbul-based municipalities are aware of and embed digital continuity practices in their organisations. This study concludes that although awareness of digital continuity is evident, that practice is still lacking in some areas.