Europe is slowing in its implementation of e-government, according to a high profile survey published on 26 January 2004.
Online availability of public services: How is Europe progressing? was compiled by Cap Gemini Ernst & Young on behalf of the European Commission. It finds that although the "adoption" of e-government is continuing across the continent, online services are not developing as quickly as previous years According to the report Austria has made the most progress of any country in the past year, and is joined by Denmark and Sweden in having the most services available online.
The "level of online sophistication" - a measure which takes into account factors including internet access, e-learning capabilities and readiness for e-business - grew by 7% and is now at 67%, while in CGEY's previous report it had increased by 15%. Overall, only 45% of services are now available online the report says.
"Countries should be encouraged to do more effort to develop transactional e-government applications for non-return services. A higher level of online development of those services will enhance the adoption of e-government services by users," says the report.
It identifies 20 basic public services -- eight for citizens and twelve for businesses.The level of interaction ranges from simple online information to full electronic transactions. The report groups public services in four key areas:
- Income generating - for example taxes and social contributions;
- Registration for life events such as births deaths and marriages;
- Returns including services provided by government to citizens and businesses (eg public libraries);
- Permits and licences.
The survey was conducted in all 15 EU member states, plus Norway, Iceland and Switzerland.
Quelle: Kablenet, 29.01.2004
