The Public Management Department of the Finnish Ministry of Finance published on 7 January 2010 the 'SADe Services and Project report 2009', an update on the implementation of the 'eServices and eDemocracy programme' (SADe).

The study analysed 282 web-based services (in October 2009) and includes data on 42 development projects. Its frame of reference comprises four components, namely:

1. how interactive the services are and how versatile the service channels are;
2. the rate of networking, i.e. partnerships and use of joint services in service provision;
3. the use and relevance of electronic channels;
4. how advanced the service provision is.

The report finds that, in comparison to 2008(*), the use of joint services (e.g. identification services, online forms network 'lomake.fi') in the provision of services has increased. Although many services require payment, the use of ePayments in the public sector remains minimal.

As for the degree of interactivity and the number of service channels, the report observes that they have grown gradually. In terms of joint services, common features include the verification of one's personal details and the notifications provided by email.

The most frequently used public eServices include those offered by the labour administration, weather forecasts, route guides in metropolitan Helsinki area and university web services related to studying and media information. The web services of big cities are also used quite frequently.

Moreover, the social insurance and the tax administrations have devised new services for citizens and the use of these services is rising. The electronic services designed for businesses are very comprehensive and widely used.

The report notes that many public organisations do not actively promote their eServices on their websites. Likewise, the implementation of eServices is also often fragmented and many services still require registration.

(*) similar studies were conducted in 2006 and 2008

Background information

The SADe programme was set up by the Ministry of Finance in April 2009. It is the national action plan for eServices and eDemocracy for the period 2009-2012. Its main aims are to provide all essential public eServices for citizens and for businesses by electronic means by 2013, to create a single client interface for different parties providing public services and to ensure the interoperability of information systems in the public administration.  

 

Further information: 

• Official link to the report and information source - Ministry of Finance (report available in Finnish or Swedish)   
• SADe programme (in Finnish)
• Online form network 'lomake.fi' - ePractice case