The Most Advanced Digital Society in the World. (Tallinn - Estonia 30-31 May 2023)

Estonia... The Most Advanced Digital society in the World. (Tallinn - Estonia 30-31 May 2023) 

The North European country, Estonia, has been hailed as the most advanced digital society in the world. This reputation has been earned through its continuous efforts over the past two decades to fully digitize and provide every service digitally.

 The Prime Minister of Estonia Kaja Kallas, who attended this year's e-Government conference in Tallinn, emphasized that their country has achieved 99% digitalization of public services, enabling individuals to access any service online from anywhere. The Prime Minister highlighted there are only two services that are requires citizens to go physically are marriage and divorce. Until recently, these services necessitated physical presence or court visits. However, now they can be completed entirely online.

Estonia's digital society has many advantages that contribute to the ease of providing all government services digitally, including:

1-     Digital Identity: Estonia has issued a national ID to 98% of its population, enabling secure access to online services, they do have ID-Card, Mobile ID, Smart-ID and EU-ID.

2-     Online Data Exchange: Over the past 20 years, data has been exchanged seamlessly, with more than 2,000 data exchanges occurring daily, ensuring that information is shared efficiently.

3-     High Political Engagement: 51.49% of Estonia's residents participate in e-voting, and 109 countries have Estonian citizens residing in them, who are allowed to vote in Estonian elections.

4-     Access to Healthcare: 99% of individuals with health issues can access their medical records from anywhere. Medical prescriptions are also issued digitally, making it convenient for patients to access medication.

5-     Business Services: 98% of companies can be managed online, with 99% of tax returns filed online, taking an average of only three minutes to complete.

6-     E-Education: 100% of Estonian schools use e-solutions for teaching and learning.

7-     Low Corruption and Bureaucracy: Estonia has successfully minimized corruption and bureaucracy, ensuring a streamlined and efficient government.

When i was observing the functions of the government and interactions between the government, its officials, and the citizens, Estonia stands out as a country that places great importance on the voice of its people. If citizens propose a motion or wish to introduce legislation, they can do so with a digital signature. Approximately 1,000 individuals possess this digital signature, and their motions are presented in parliament. This demonstrates Estonia's commitment to citizen participation. see this link about public information Act..  https://www.riigiteataja.ee/en/eli/514112013001/consolide

The Estonian government consists of 11 ministries, the Prime Minister, advisers, and ministers. All meetings begin with the E-Cabinet portal, where ministers can review the agenda and provide comments. This significantly reduces meeting time, usually not exceeding 20 minutes, unless legal issues require further discussion. The entire government operates digitally, with even the Prime Minister using a digital signature for official documents.

We can learn a great deal from Estonia's accomplishments. As a country currently positioned low on the e-Government Index, we need substantial efforts to enhance ICT education from schools to universities and offices. The government has to commit to providing the necessary infrastructure and financial resources to digitize all government services.

THE CORE COMPETENCIES OF DT.

• Government as a platform

• Public fiscal management digital reforms

• eTax

• eBudget

• One-stop-shop business ecosystem.