Probably the best way to simplify the definition of e-government is this: “Any use of information and technology that empowers citizens, improves the way government works, improves the connection and communication between governments and civil society can be considered as part of e-government.” This is according to Sharon Dawes, a senior fellow at the US-based Center for Technology in Government.
As IT literacy across the region grows, governments and businesses are looking to technology as a tool to ensuring the provision of quality services in a way that is timely, convenient and efficient.
E-services, broadly defined as the provision of goods and services using information and communications technologies, are increasing in prevalence across both the private and public sector, and in the GCC, governments are taking the lion's share as a driving force behind such initiatives.
Read more: MENA: E-revolution: The rise of government e-services
On the other hand, countries in the Levant and North Africa still lag behind and face important challenges to fully leverage ICT. Jordan ranked (47), Tunisia (50), Egypt (79), Lebanon (95), Morocco (91), Algeria (118), and Syria (129).
Read more: MENA needs better integration of ICT into national competitiveness plans
In an effort to transform education to align with international standards, governments across the Middle East are turning to the increased integration of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in schools. In April this year, HH Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, launched a new smart learning initiative that will transform classrooms as well as integrate teachers, students, parents and administrators into a single e-platform. The Dh1 billion ‘Mohammad Bin Rashid Smart Learning Initiative’ is part of the UAE Vision 2021 and will be introduced in four stages over five years.
Read more: MENA: Educational Technology Revolution Is Transforming Middle East Education Sector
SAP Mena has called for a comprehensive public-private partnership centering on policy overhauls, a national awareness campaign and a cutting-edge, project-enabling ICT platform tohelp combat the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region’s looming sustainable jobs crisis.
The situation in the UAE amply demonstrates the need to take decision action, with the Government recently calling for the creation of 20,000 jobs over the next decade, and an Emirati unemployment rate ominously hovering around the 13 per cent mark according to the Federal National Council – a problem exacerbated by the fact that less than eight percent are currently forging careers in the private sector.
Read more: Technology needed to shape Mena’s sustainable jobs future