So far, no coherent approach exists to identify, describe and analyse socio-technical systems. In this paper we propose such a concept, by drawing on three theories: complex adaptive systems, enterprise architecture and pattern theory. We endeavor to combine elements of these theories and resolve the incoherence among them. We have also tested the empirical relevance of this approach for the case of semantic standardization in Germany. Thereby we show, that the approach is sufficiently feasible, correct and useful.

Service-based systems are becoming the dominating technology for providing and combining functionality in distributed systems. They also can be a viable solution to address EGovernment aspects. A typical citizen engages with governmental agencies at several hierarchical levels -local, regional and national. Federal and international organizations come atop. We denote this as the concept of layered government. The citizen expects to find similar procedures at every level. Such commonly designed single points of contact are emerging as real challenges and are often mandated by legal regulations. We use the examples of the German E-Government Initiative "Germany Online" and the EU Services Directive to propose areas where service orientation can be beneficial.

Das Konzept der vernetzten Verwaltung, das digitale Netzwerktechnologien mit der kooperativen Nutzung gesellschaftlich verfügbaren Wissens und Engagements kombiniert, erfordert eine neue Sicht auf bestehende Verwaltungsprozesse und -strukturen. In diesem Buch zeigen mehr als 20 Autoren aus Wissenschaft, Wirtschaft und Verwaltung, dass Föderalismus und Vernetzung sich nicht ausschließen, sondern die "Zutaten" einer kundenfreundlichen, leistungsfähigen und wirtschaftlichen öffentlichen Verwaltung sind - ein praxisnaher Einstieg in die aktuelle Modernisierungsdebatte der vernetzten Verwaltung!