Digital Technology in Estonia
The conference was joined by Rene Tammist, the Estonian Minister for Enterprise and Information Technology. He explained that digital technology is so embedded into the society of Estonia that the country is sometimes called E-Estonia.
He said that as a small state they have to be innovative in order to boost development. As a government, they have more than 10 years’ experience of digital innovation.
Their pioneering work includes on-line elections and E-residency programmes.
Almost all public services in Estonia are digital and available 24/7. There are only three things that can’t be done on-line and they are getting married, getting divorced, and buying a property.
It usually takes a few hours to set up and create a company. Tax declarations can be done on line and 96% of the population declare their taxes online. This is good for transparency and tax collection as well. Rene said that it takes just two or three minutes, or if you are very slow, then it takes five minutes. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Estonia has the most efficient tax authority in the world.
“We have a clear vision. To build a digital government that doesn’t burden people with bureaucracy”.
Rene Tammist
A few weeks before the EGDF Conference, a general election took place in Estonia and 43% of people cast their vote on line. It had led to increased participation and more democracy.
Public services are delivered with higher effectiveness and impact. Police are equipped with computer devices and databases and this has led to safer streets.
Electronic health records are held on line. 99% of doctors’ prescriptions are digital. No paper or extra visits are needed. Registering births and deaths can be done on line. Rene said that 2% of gross domestic product is saved annually by online transactions. It leads to a higher level of service, and less impact on the environment.
The core challenge is usability of services and solutions. There is room for further improvement particularly for people with disabilities. A recently-adopted new law will take websites to a new accessibility level.
Even with nearly all public services being digital, Estonia has plans to take it further. They are aiming for as little bureaucracy as possible. They have defined fifteen life event services, such as a benefit application when a child is born, starting school, losing a job, and retiring. Their aim is a maximum of one digital transaction for each event by redesigning, rethinking and integrating services.
Rene said “We have a clear vision. To build a digital government that doesn’t burden people with bureaucracy”. He added that even President Obama said that the USA should have looked to Estonia when setting up a healthcare website.