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The purpose of this paper (editorial) is to introduce a collection of “best papers,” selected from the 11th International Conference on Digital Government Research (dg.o, 2010), that are devoted to the technical, managerial, social and policy challenges and issues of collaborative e‐government. It provides a conceptual model for collaborative e‐government that may be used to explain the motivations and findings behind these studies.

The paper outlines a conceptual model of collaborative e‐government using value‐driven, citizen‐driven, cost‐driven and technology‐driven forces that tie together various e‐government collaboration projects. A brief survey of government collaboration projects is presented and a set of research questions on collaborative e‐government are formulated.

The conceptual model of e‐government collaboration forces provides a framework that encompasses the research questions, topics and themes addressed in various digital government papers, especially those in this issue.

The paper introduces and summarizes seven research papers relative to the theme of e‐government collaborations, identifying a set of research challenges, opportunities, and unique solutions drawing on past experiences.

This paper aims to optimally plan distributed generation (DG) and capacitor in distribution network by optimizing multiple conflicting operational objectives simultaneously so as to achieve enhanced operation of distribution system. The multi-objective optimization problem comprises three important objective functions such as minimization of total active power loss (P^loss_total), reduction of voltage deviation and balancing of current through feeder sections.

In this study, a hybrid configuration of weight improved particle swarm optimization (WIPSO) and gravitational search algorithm (GSA) called hybrid WIPSO-GSA algorithm is proposed in multi-objective problem domain. To solve multi-objective optimization problem, the proposed hybrid WIPSO-GSA algorithm is integrated with two components. The first component is fixed-sized archive that is responsible for storing a set of non-dominated pareto optimal solutions and the second component is a leader selection strategy that helps to update and identify the best compromised solution from the archive.

The proposed methodology is tested on standard 33-bus and Indian 85-bus distribution systems. The results attained using proposed multi-objective hybrid WIPSO-GSA algorithm provides potential technical and economic benefits and its best compromised solution outperforms other commonly used multi-objective techniques, thereby making it highly suitable for solving multi-objective problems.

A novel multi-objective hybrid WIPSO-GSA algorithm is proposed for optimal DG and capacitor planning in radial distribution network. The results demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed technique in improved distribution system planning and operation and also in achieving better optimized results than other existing multi-objective optimization techniques.

The purpose of this paper is to estimate the locational marginal price (LMP) at each distributed generation (DG) bus based on DG unit contribution in loss reduction. This LMP value can be used by distribution company (DISCO) to control private DG owners and operate network optimally in terms of active power loss.

This paper proposes proportional nucleolus game theory (PNGT)-based iterative method to compute LMP at each DG unit. In this algorithm, PNGT has been used to identify the share of each DG unit in loss reduction. New mathematical modeling has been incorporated in the proposed algorithm to compute incentives being given to each DG owner.

The findings of this paper are that the LMP and reactive power price values for each DG unit were computed by the proposed method for the first time. Network can be operated with less loss and zero DISCO’s extra benefit, which is essential in deregulated environment. Fair competition has been maintained among private DG owners using the proposed method.

PNGT has been used for the first time for computation of LMP in distribution system based on loss reduction. Incentives to each DG unit has have been computed based on financial savings of DISCO due to loss reduction. Share of active and reactive power generation of each DG unit on change in active power loss of network due to that DG unit has been computed with new mathematical modeling. The proposed method provides LMP value to each DG unit in such a way that the network will be operated with less loss.

The purpose of this paper is to examine the ways in which governments build social media and information and communication technologies (ICTs) into e‐government transparency initiatives, to promote collaboration with members of the public and the ways in members of the public are able to employ the same social media to monitor government activities.

This study used an iterative strategy that involved conducting a literature review, content analysis, and web site analysis, offering multiple perspectives on government transparency efforts, the role of ICTs and social media in these efforts, and the ability of e‐government initiatives to foster collaborative transparency through embedded ICTs and social media.

The paper identifies key initiatives, potential impacts, and future challenges for collaborative e‐government as a means of transparency.

The paper is one of the first to examine the interrelationships between ICTs, social media, and collaborative e‐government to facilitate transparency.

This study aims to propose a sensitivity-based methodology for the optimum accommodation of distributed generation (DG) units in meshed power networks with appropriate technologies. The effect of load variation is incorporated into the proposed methodology to identify the most trusted locations for DG placement.

The effectiveness of minimizing active power losses is considered a key criterion. A priority list comprising both sensitivity indexes and realistic indicators is deduced to rank the optimum sites for the placement of DG units. A sorting index for distinguishing the suitable DG type(s) for each candidate location is organized. Three common DG types are considered in this work. The modified IEEE 30-bus meshed system is chosen to perform the proposed methodology.

Results demonstrate that the obtained priority index can be used to achieve the best real loss minimization rates. Numerous load buses can be safely excluded as candidate locations using the proposed approach. Consequently, the methodology can minimize the computational process of diagnosing the optimum sites for DG accommodation.

The findings determine that instead of installing many DG units at various locations with one DG type, a few certain load buses can be used to accommodate more than one DG type and significantly reduce losses.

Notable energy losses and voltage deviation issues in low-voltage radial distribution systems are a major concern for power planners and utility companies because of the integration of electric vehicles (EVs). Electric vehicle charging stations (EVCSs) are the key components in the network where the EVs are equipped to energize their battery. The purpose of this paper is coordinating the EVCS and distributed generation (DG) so as to place them optimally using swarm-based elephant herding optimization techniques by considering energy losses, voltage sensitivity and branch current as key indices. The placement and sizing of the EVCS and DG were found in steps.

The IEEE 33-bus test feeder and 52-bus Indian practical radial networks were used as the test system for the network characteristic analysis. To enhance the system performance, the radial network is divided into zones for the placement of charging stations and dispersed generation units. Balanced coordination is discussed with three defined situations for the EVCS and DG.

The proposed analysis shows that DG collaboration with EVCS with suitable size and location in the network improves the performance in terms of stability and losses.

Stability and loss indices are handled with equal weight factor to find the best solution.

The proposed method is coordinating EVCS and DG in the existing system; the EV integration in the low-voltage side can be incorporated suitably. So, it has societal impact.

In this study, the proposed method shows improved results in terms EVCS and DG integration in the system with minimum losses and voltage sensitivity. The results have been compared with another population-based particle swarm optimization method (PSO). There is an improvement of 18% in terms of total power losses and 9% better result in minimum node voltage as compared to the PSO technique. Also, there is an enhancement of 33% in the defined voltage stability index which shows the proficiency of the proposed analysis.

This paper aims to address not only technical and economic challenges in electrical distribution system but also environmental impact and the depletion of conventional energy resources due to rapidly growing economic development, results rising energy consumption.

Generally, the network reconfiguration (NR) problem is designed for minimizing power loss. Particularly, it is devised for maximizing power loss reduction by simultaneous NR and distributed generation (DG) placement. A loss sensitivity factor procedure is incorporated in the problem formulation that has identified sensitivity nodes for DG optimally. An adaptive weighted improved discrete particle swarm optimization (AWIDPSO) is proposed for ascertaining a feasible solution.

In AWIDPSO, the adaptively varying inertia weight increases the possible solution in the global search space and it has obtained the optimum solution within lesser iteration. Moreover, it has provided a solution for integrating more amount of DG optimally in the existing distribution network (DN).

The AWIDPSO seems to be a promising optimization tool for optimal DG placement in the existing DN, DG placement after NR and simultaneous NR and DG sizing and placement. Thus, a strategic balance is derived among economic development, energy consumption, environmental impact and depletion of conventional energy resources.

In this study, a standard 33-bus distribution system has been analyzed for optimal NR in the presence of DG using the developed framework. The power loss in the DN has reduced considerably by indulging a new and innovative approaches and technologies.

The distributed generation (DG) proper placement is an extremely rebellious concern for attaining their extreme potential profits. This paper aims to propose the application of the communal spider optimization algorithm (CSOA) to the performance model of the wind turbine unit (WTU) and photovoltaic (PV) array locating method. It also involves the power loss reduction and voltage stability improvement of the ring main distribution system (DS).

This paper replicates the efficiency of WTU and PV array enactment models in the placement of DG. The effectiveness of the voltage stability factor considered in computing the voltage stability levels of buses in the DS is studied.

The voltage stability levels are augmented, and total losses are diminished for the taken bus system. The accomplished outcomes exposed the number of PV arrays accompanied by the optimal bus location for various penetration situations.

The optimal placement and sizing of wind- and solar-based DGs are tested on the 15- and 69-test bus system.

Moreover, the projected CSOA algorithm outperforms the PSOA, IAPSOA, BBO, ACO and BSO optimization techniques.

This chapter provides a framework for organisational analysis of the newly created position of ‘independent’ Commissioner, especially whether it is sufficiently backed by administrative capacities.

In the many variables that determine organisational behaviour (Mintzberg, 1989), this approach follows Olsen (2005) in its analysis through communication structures and strategic directions, and adds procedures (networks) and personnel to this. The chapter is primarily based on interview data in addition to literature and document analysis.

This chapter acknowledges the ‘stickiness’ of institutions and the difficulties in reorganising (formal) institutions. The conclusion shows that there are multiple problems in the current process of institutionalisation of the independent Commissioner. Generalising the findings to the use of an administrative approach, the frugal framework used here indicates that ‘independence’ cannot simply be proclaimed but also demands attentions for organisation design. Organisational analysis helps to understand the organisation and the organisational weaknesses behind the policy objective.

As is often the case with MLG it gives a perspective on governance, but must be complemented with an approach for analysis, in this case organisational design. In the chapter the approach is limited to organisational values, personnel and communication lines. It provides a basic framework to evaluate one of the key elements of European integration – independence. However, additional work is needed to further develop this framework as well as other components of the organisational behaviour of the Commission.

This chapter comes up with suggestions for organisational redesign of the Commission in order to restore trust in its tasks and responsibilities. With the instalment of the new Juncker Commission these findings might provide useful insights for the ongoing process of reorganisation of the Commission.

The new economic legislation and the role of the independent Commissioner have a direct impact on member state budgets (cuts), with a far reaching societal impact. Therefore, the level of (public) trust is critical in the acceptance of the process. Trust is established inter alia by the organisational implementation of principles of good administrative behaviour such as transparency, capability, independence, etc.

The chapter uses the MLG perspective in order to get a comprehensive picture of the organisational implications to effectively embed the ‘independent’ Commissioner in the organisation. The added value is based on the extensive amount of interviews over a longer period of time (2011–2014) during the operationalisation of the European semester.

The purpose of this paper is to optimally operate a Smart Microgrid which is interconnected to the main grid so as to minimize expenditures associated with CO₂ emissions. Microgrids could come into play to aid the network through CO₂ emission reduction while increasing their efficiency through local generation. For this purpose, a Smart Microgrid incorporating Distributed Energy Resources (DER), especially Renewable Energy Sources (RES), is operated optimally while keeping the CO₂ emissions in check in order to minimize the financial burden from emissions stemming from the carbon tax. Since the network is assumed to be interconnected with the main grid, there is a consideration of the expected emissions associated with the imported energy.

An economic/environmental dispatch problem is mathematically formulated using an objective function and the constraints that it is subject to. The methodology is applied on a typical 17-bus test distribution network, representing a Hellenic LV network. Various carbon tax rates and their impact on the system marginal price are examined, in terms of their effect on distributed generation (DG) and as a second step, the effect of imposing lower carbon tax rates for micro-sources with the goal of benefitting from their more eco-friendly generation capabilities. In order to assess that benefit, hourly grid emissions coefficients are derived based on actual grid data.

The CO₂ tax refund policy towards the DG owners can lead to optimal coverage of consumers, optimal financial result both for the DG owners and the operator and greater DG integration within the smart grid.

Greater DG integration within the smart grid by using a CO₂ tax refund policy.