EU uses digital technologies to improve public services and create sustainable business
Digital public services involve using technology to provide services to citizens at a local, regional and national level.
The EU is helping public administrations across Europe to transform to digital so all citizens can enjoy the benefits of smart public services.
Actions taken so far by the Commission are:
- Ensuring European platforms work together
- Funding large-scale e-participation projects
- Solutions through the JoinUp platform for public administrations, businesses and citizens
- Standardising e-health records
One key aspect of digital public services is to create a secure digital identity and developing smart cities.
A Smart City uses technologies to improve the lives of its citizens and the environment, while closing the digital divide and allowing businesses to thrive and innovate.
Smart Cities are based around three pillars:
- Improving residents’ quality of life
- Enhancing business competitiveness
- Ensuring environmental sustainability
The idea is for the cities to be more inclusive, creating collaboration between citizens, the public and businesses for sustainable growth. For example, smart energy meters show if a building is heated efficiently, and data collected on transport can make roads less congested.
A concrete example of the connection between Smart Cities and businesses is the company Hitachi which is working on a project called Social Innovation that will utilise IT and infrastructure technologies to drive business. Through big data, the system can react to an event happening around the city.
It is crucial that the EU continues to invest in Smart Cities to create more sustainable business practices.
Find out more about Smart Cities and digital public services here.
