Mr Liikanen specified ways in which eGovernment can actively improve the way government functions: eGovernment should help citizens participate in decision making from the early phases onwards, thus leading to the creation of an open government environment.
'Open government [...] means increased transparency and accountability,' said Mr Liikanen, adding that citizens are able to verify that public money is being well spent.
However, according to Mr Liikanen, making eGovernment available to all citizens is a stumbling block, 'Governments have a much more difficult task to fulfil than businesses. They cannot choose their clients, they have to serve everyone. Where business can focus on efficiency, public administrations need to pursue both efficiency and equity.'
To ensure democratic access to eGovernment, Mr Liikanen stressed, that in terms of technology, a multiplatform approach is needed - making use of digital television, kiosks in public areas and mobile phones would ensure better access to public services for all.
'However, managing in a consistent and efficient way public service delivery on multiple online platforms as well as offline will be a considerable challenge,' he noted.
According to the Commissioner, eGovernment is also a tool to increase productivity growth throughout the economy. However this will require reorganisation of public administrations. 'There will be resistance to redesign government processes as it often means breaking down barriers between departments. Therefore eGovernment cannot be led by the information technology department,' said Mr Liikanen.
Finally, Mr Liikanen referred to the eEurope action plan, which he hopes will address the challenges faced by governments and citizens alike in stimulating eGovernment in their countries. As part of the action plan, a framework for interoperable pan European eGovernment services will be proposed by the end of 2003.
Quelle: Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation
