Uruguay’s Digital Government Strategy 2020

Uruguay’s Digital Government Strategy 2020 outlines a comprehensive plan for advancing digital transformation across the government. The strategy is designed to enhance the relationship between the state and its citizens through the effective use of digital technologies. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the strategy:

Core Objectives and Vision

The strategy aims to create public value by delivering services that meet citizens’ needs in a way that is open, accessible, intelligent, efficient, integrated, and reliable. The DGS is not just a static plan but a dynamic framework that allows the government to adapt to technological changes and the evolving needs of its citizens.

Key Pillars of the Strategy

1. Proximity Government:
   • Objective: Improve interaction between citizens and the state through high-quality, accessible services.
   • Goals:
     • Universalize e-interaction by ensuring all Central Administration services are fully online by 2020.
     • Provide integrated access to services through a single platform (gub.uy), allowing citizens to track service statuses and customize their interaction with the government.
     • Transform public services in critical areas like health, education, and social development.
2. Open Government:
   • Objective: Enhance transparency, accountability, and citizen participation.
   • Goals:
     • Facilitate access to public information through accessible publication and a unified information request system.
     • Strengthen citizen participation by developing frameworks and digital solutions for state agencies to adopt.
     • Promote data openness by expanding the National Open Data Catalogue and ensuring open data by design in software development.
3. Smart Government:
   • Objective: Use data, information, and knowledge as assets to optimize public services and foster proactive government interactions.
   • Goals:
     • Strengthen evidence-based decision-making by developing frameworks and platforms for data analysis.
     • Develop predictive models for designing proactive services and smart cities.
     • Implement new services based on big data and emerging technologies like IoT.
4. Efficient Government:
   • Objective: Simplify and unify management systems across state agencies to reduce costs and improve service delivery.
   • Goals:
     • Optimize administrative processes through integrated architecture and reengineering of state systems.
     • Develop shared technological services and reusable IT components to enhance efficiency.
     • Digitize public records to facilitate information exchange and improve record management.
5. Whole-of-Government:
   • Objective: Promote technological integration and data interoperability across government agencies.
   • Goals:
     • Evolve the digital government platform by developing a Government Architecture that supports an integrated vision.
     • Implement new interoperability solutions in strategic sectors like health and education.
     • Develop a data architecture to support organizational interoperability within the government.
6. Reliable Digital Government:
   • Objective: Address the risks and challenges associated with digital technologies to ensure security and trust in the Digital Government.
   • Goals:
     • Strengthen cybersecurity by establishing a National Cybersecurity Operations Centre and promoting cybersecurity in the private sector.
     • Promote risk management and operational continuity by defining minimum cybersecurity requirements for critical state assets.
     • Universalize digital ID to enhance security and accessibility for citizens.

Implementation and Evaluation

The strategy’s implementation is overseen by the Agency for Electronic Government and the Information and Knowledge Society (Agesic). This agency will continuously promote innovation, evaluate progress, and update the strategy as necessary to reflect changes in the environment and achieve the desired outcomes.

Annual reports will be published to track progress and inform any necessary adjustments to the strategy, ensuring it remains relevant and effective in driving Uruguay’s digital transformation.

This strategy positions Uruguay as a leader in digital government, aiming to improve the quality of life for its citizens through smart, efficient, and secure digital services.