Helvetas Knowledge Series: Digital governance

The fourth knowledge product on Digital governance has been published as part of the Moving Governance Program.  

The publication shows how digital technologies promote transparency, participation, and accountability, thereby making governance, the work of public authorities, and public services more inclusive, efficient, and citizen-oriented. At the same time, digital transformation presents challenges, especially for disadvantaged groups without sufficient access to digital technologies or insufficient digital literacy. Helvetas therefore pursues an approach that promotes digital inclusion for all.  

Through numerous projects across various countries, Helvetas supports local partners and institutions to leverage Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D). The aim is to create sustainable impact, amplify the voices of marginalized communities and promote participation in decision-making processes.   

Three country examples illustrate how ICT4D tools can improve good governance in practice: 

• Nepal: The Promotion of Youth Engagement in Local Governance Process (PROYEL) project devised the Smart Help Desk, an interactive touch screen display, to provide easy access to municipal services on a self-serve basis. Citizens receive information quickly, waiting times are reduced, and digital skills are strengthened. 
• Albania: The Bashki te Forta («Strong Municipalities») project develops among other points user-friendly interfaces of the municipal councils’ websites. These enable live broadcasts of meetings, publication of documents, and online submission of complaints, requests and initiatives. This gives citizens better access to services, and transparency strengthens trust in the authorities.  
• Serbia: The Municipal Economic Development (MED) project builds on an existing national eConsultation Portal at the local level. The Portal enables document access, real-time feedback, and the opportunity to participate directly in consultations. 

These examples illustrate how ICT4D tools can make the interaction with public authorities more inclusive, efficient, and citizen-oriented if they are user-friendly and tailored to the needs of the population. 

The full version of the knowledge product is available here: Digital governance.  

Further information about the first three knowledge products can be found here: Transparent and effective governance & Inclusive governance.  

Information about other Somaha knowledge products is available on the Somaha website under Activity.