December 10, 2008 By Wayne Hanson
Photo: EU Commissioner for Information Society and Media Viviane Reding
The European Union is seeing savings from information and communications technolgies (ICT) and hopes to leverage successful programs across all member states. In Denmark, for example, electronic invoicing has saved taxpayers EUR150 million and businesses EUR50 million. According to a report: e-Government and e-Participation, if the Danish invoicing system was rolled out across the EU, projected annual savings would total EUR50 billion. Likewise, Belgium's Internet-based system of benefits for disabled persons is highlighted. "E-government promises, and can deliver, better services at lower cost," says the report, which goes on to say that it is an important part of the EU's i2010 Action Plan.
But there is much more to do, says the report. For example, only 5 percent of cross-border procurements in France and Germany are managed electronically. Greater takeup of electronic procurement would "shake up the supply market through enhanced competition."
The report, a policy perspective on ICT research, looks at a number of ICT projects which "do make a difference for citizens and businesses dealing with public administrations at all levels." Here are a number of those highlighted.
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Based off of discussions of the Digital Communities Large Jurisdiction Chief Information Officer (CIO) Working Group, this white paper aims to answer the question, "In today's economic, political and business environment, what constitutes a successful relationship between government and industry?" Cause for Optimism identifies and clarifies the issues that separate government and industry, and begins to find an answer to the question necessary for both to enjoy a successful and prosperous future.
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