Through digital partnerships, we can create (digital) unity in the world
Mohammad J Sear
Digital Gov. & Public Sector Consulting Leader, Middle East and Africa (MENA) at EY
In November 2023, the EU and Canada launched a Digital Partnership to strengthen strategic cooperation. This partnership reflects a shared vision for a digital economy and society with citizens in its focus (not technology).??
This comes in the context of accelerating digital transformation and geopolitical uncertainty. This is not the first time there has been digital dialogue between the EU and Canada. However, only recently they agreed to work together in international cyber security, AI, online platforms, digital identity and digital skills.?
In the words of Ursula von der Leyen - the President of the European Commission: "Canada and the EU share the same vision of a digital future. The new Digital Partnership will increase our cooperation on AI and secure connectivity and cyber threats."?
Why are digital partnerships important??
This partnership between the EU and Canada is really important, but it's not the first of its kind. In fact, it's the fourth deal like this that the EU has made with other important countries.??
They made similar agreements with Japan in May 2022, with the Republic of Korea in November 2022, and with Singapore in February 2023.?
What's interesting is the establishment of an annual high-level meeting, the Digital Partnership Council. Led by EU Commissioner Breton and respective ministers from each partner country, these councils set the tone, determine priorities, and evaluate progress.?
It's evident that these partnerships have become essential in fostering unity and strengthening connections across the EU and the global landscape.??
But one can't help but wonder: Are these collaborations truly effective in bridging the digital gap? Do they genuinely enhance the EU's relationships beyond its borders??
Actually, the EU's focus on forming strong alliances aligns with the Digital Compass strategy, aiming to position Europe as a digitally interconnected continent by 2030.?
Also, the EU's Digital Decade policy programme aims to deliver 100% of "key public services" to citizens digitally by 2030, to equip 80% of the EU's population with "basic digital skills", and 90% of SMEs with "basic digital intensity".?
So, by collaborating with like-minded countries, the EU finds itself able to tackle the digital divide and strengthen its ties beyond Europe.?
Similarly, in late November 2023, an assembly of over 150 influential figures from Latin America, the Caribbean, the EU (+ its Member State) and representatives from civil society and the private sector was held in Colombia.??
This meeting was important as all these countries agreed on joint areas of collaboration on different digital matters, as below?
A total of five high-level policy dialogues were held on:?
·?????? Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
·?????? digital government?
·?????? data governance?
·?????? inclusive connectivity?
·?????? cybersecurity?
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These dialogues helped analyse common challenges and opportunities, exchanging best practices and lessons learned.??
What about public-private collaborations??
Public-private collaborations also play a big role in helping governments achieve their goals. When governments and private companies work together, they can do a lot more.??
Using digital tools and making good use of data can help economies grow, make sure everyone gets included, and support sustainable development.?
Take Mastercard, for example. They've been teaming up with governments in Europe to help them switch many public services to digital.??
This includes things like making it easier to get social welfare or pension payments online, handling payments for public transportation, and collecting taxes more efficiently. They've also been running programs to teach people how to stay safe online and helping small businesses go digital.?
A notable move earlier in 2023 was the initiation of a? Digital Country Partnership between Mastercard and Digital Jersey, the agency entrusted with steering the digital transformation of the Crown Dependency.??
But also they've taken European public sector collaborations one step further by establishing such partnerships with the governments or public sector bodies in France, Czechia and Slovakia since 2019.?
This partnership between companies like Mastercard and different European governments is just one example of how working together can help governments with their plans for using technology. These collaborations can help make digital strategies stronger and more effective.?
Final thoughts...?
In a few years, we'll gain a clearer picture of how these digital partnerships have truly affected the landscape of digital services and governance.??
It's important to assess not only the short-term gains but also the long-term effects they have on citizens, economies, and technological growth.?
By then, I think we'll be able to analyse whether these collaborations have genuinely improved the accessibility and efficiency of public services, boosted economic development for all, and contributed to a safer and more inclusive digital environment.?
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