More to e-government than just a website, says Liikanen

Date: 24/04/03

By Peter Chapman

Erkki Liikanen, the commissioner for information society and enterprise, says 'e-government' is now a central theme in the European Union's hi-tech policy.

But the Finn believes the real gains for citizens and governments will not come simply by plugging in a few extra computers or setting up a website.

Instead, new IT and communications technology can only make a serious impact if it is accompanied by a shake-up in how government departments and agencies work, coupled with better skills training for staff.

"An e-government website is only a first step towards providing easier access to information," he told a conference in Barcelona recently.

For Liikanen, e-government is not just about boosting democracy through greater availability of information on policy debates and the chance to vote online. It is also about bringing one-stop-shop services to the public - for example, by making it easier to apply for a driving licence, pay taxes, get married or even complain - all at the click of a mouse.

But, he cautions, "the full benefits of personalised services, increased transparency and efficiency only come about by rethinking the very process of public service delivery".

Erkki Liikanen, Commissioner for Enterprise and the Information Society, says 'e-government' is now a central theme in the European Union's hi-tech policy.