eGovernment on the fast track

eGovernment has developed significantly in recent years and is now seen as a tangible reality by millions of citizens. The impact of eGovernment is being felt by citizens and companies well beyond government services, with tools such as electronic identity helping citizens and business in everyday activities across society. However, much more still needs to be done. In May 2010, the European Commission revealed its Digital Agenda for Europe (DAE), a major roadmap defining the key roles that the use of ICT will have to play if Europe wants to succeed in its ambitions for a flourishing digital economy by 2020.

ICT systems are now at the heart of government processes, but efforts are still needed to ensure they continue to improve the delivery of government services.

Benefits of eGovernment

eGovernment can help to make public services more efficient and easier to access for citizens, businesses and governments. The potential cost savings are massive. In Denmark, for example, electronic invoicing saves taxpayers €150 million and businesses €50 million a year. If introduced across the EU, annual savings could exceed €50 billions. In Italy alone, e-procurement systems cut over €3 billion in costs.

Effective eGovernment will also improve governance and enable citizens to become more involved in the activities of their governments. Moreover, the freedoms of the Union’s internal market mean more and more citizens and businesses dealing with public bodies outside their home countries. Whether they seek planning permission to build a new factory or a licence to get married, individuals and firms must be treated fairly and seamlessly wherever they are in the EU. This requires governments to cooperate via eGovernment tools that can process data from any member states.

eGovernment