The public and companies can use the potential of digital services and public sector infrastructure for increased innovation, value creation and democratic participation.

Emphasis:

• The public and companies have easy access to information public entities hold concerning the person in question.

• Society has knowledge and skills about the possibilities of technology, such as digital service channels and artificial intelligence.

• The possibilities of digital infrastructure used to increase democratic participation, interactivity and consultation with the public.

• Public sector data is accessible and practical when considering privacy considerations and the consent of individuals.

• Digital services and innovative solutions are developed in cooperation with a diverse group of companies and experts through open-source software deployment.

• Legislation provides for digital services and communication.
  

The public and businesses have equal access to excellent public services that are provided based on user needs efficiently and economically.

Emphasis:

• Digital services are accessible to society as a whole and adapted to the needs of different groups.

• Digital communication, through Iceland.is, is the primary means of communication between the public and companies and public institutions.

• The principle is that data must only be recorded once in communication with public institutions and that data travels between institutions instead of people.

• The operation of web systems and digital services is economical and meets the highest possible security conditions.

• Web services and the data transfer layer of the public institutions are coordinated based on the technical policy of Ísland.is

• Compatibility and efficiency of software solutions are guaranteed.
  

Information technology will be managed safely, efficiently and cost-effectively through a solid infrastructure that meets the public's demands for the essential services of institutions and contributes to the increased flexibility of public services.

Emphasis:

• Working methods in the operation of information technology systems are disciplined and based on international standards.

• A robust infrastructure in the technology field supports the goals of safety, efficiency, and innovation.

• The most secure technology in data transfer and access control to information is practical.

• Public sector information is always handled based on its level of sensitivity and security.

• The basic systems of the public sector are based on standard solutions, of which there is extensive knowledge and experience.
  

Public institutions have the latest technological solutions and a modern work environment that encourages progress and flexibility and is the basis for a better, more efficient way of working. There is a positive attitude towards the opportunities of modern practices.

Emphasis:

• Public employees have solid knowledge, competence and skills to work in a digital work environment and for continuous improvement and innovation.

• Public workplaces work in coordinated software.

• Employees work in a project-oriented work environment.

• The possibilities of the latest technology, such as automation, are fully utilised responsibly.
  

As the expectations of service users have increased, there have been significant opportunities to improve the service experience of users with the addition of digital services. Digital services have developed rapidly in Iceland in the last few years based on government policy and the vital infrastructure built up. Promoting digital services is one of the government's priorities, and the strategy will lay the foundation for Iceland to be among the leading nations in the world regarding digital public services.

Promoting digital services is one of the priorities of the government

The strategy for digital services is a framework for the public sector's vision and priorities for the practical use of IT and digital services to provide excellent services securely. Digital services should reach the whole of society, improve services for the non-urban population, and support all those with difficulty accessing services. By having the leading public service available on Ísland.is, the public and companies get direct access to the services sought. The objective is for individuals and companies to solve their issues through self-service, for digital processes to save travel between locations and ensure secure data transfer between institutions. That does not prevent the services from being provided in other ways simultaneously, thus meeting the needs of different society groups.

Digital communications will be the main means of public communication with the public

Digital services make it easier for public institutions to provide modern and efficient public services. By combining the services of public institutions on Ísland.is, public sectors can benefit from solutions designed to their needs, which speeds up the introduction of digital solutions and avoids duplication of work. Digital solutions increase the efficiency of workplaces and make it possible to perform more valuable tasks to a greater extent, thus improving the service or increasing its efficiency.

Furthermore, the policy is intended to strengthen Iceland's competitive position, increase the number of jobs in the knowledge industry, improve the digital competencies of the general public and increase prosperity through innovation and a more efficient society. Promoting digital services will also deliver fiscal rationalisation and reduce the impact of public sector activities on the environment.

Leading strategy for strong foreign cooperation

The policy leads to other public policies and policy decisions in this field. The study was prepared in consultation with the key stakeholders, and a draft strategy was published in the government consultation portal. Particular emphasis will be placed on an intensive dialogue with stakeholders in the policy actions. The subject is rapidly evolving, and therefore, the policy will be kept under review. Alongside the procedure, an overview of activities is published, along with performance indicators. It is based on the Government's Action Plan for the Promotion of Digital Services, adopted in May 2019, and its stated objectives that digital communications should be the primary public communication channel. Iceland has also joined the Nordic Joint Declaration (Digital North). It is working closely with the other Nordic countries and the Baltic states on goals for ecological and sustainable development and exploiting data and artificial intelligence. The policy is also based on a survey conducted by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs on Digital Transformation in government institutions.

The Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs is responsible for the policy, and it is under the expenditure heading 5.3 and 6.11 of the financial plan. The policy and actions are implemented with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs and the Digital Iceland project office in close cooperation with government institutions, other ministries, municipalities, the general public, NGOs and companies. The Icelandic Association of Local Authorities in Iceland has participated in the policy on behalf of the municipalities and is working on its progress among the municipalities in Iceland.

The public and companies can use the potential of digital services and public sector infrastructure for increased innovation, value creation and democratic participation.

• Cooperation on digital services across borders, e.g., a pilot project on activating electronic IDs between the Nordic countries and the Baltic states.
  Work started.

• A data strategy launched focused on uniform processing, storage and presentation of public data and promoting more accessible access to data.
  Work has yet to start.

• The electronic infrastructure of public records was renewed to meet increased demands for digital submissions.
  Work started.

• Cooperation with diverse companies through open software continued by Ísland.is.
  Work started.

• Work systematically to increase the public's trust in information technology with a focus on cyber security and information security while emphasising the digital skills of society.
  

The public and businesses have equal access to excellent public services that are provided based on user needs efficiently and economically.

• Key life events accessible digitally through Ísland.is.

Several key life events are already available on Ísland.is in the form of information as well as applications. These include, for example, the digital application for parental leave. An analysis of the leading life events, how many people they affect, and who they serve is being worked on.

• Ísland.is app released for smartphones to increase access to digital services.

Completed.

• Improved agent system and agent database released.

Completed.

• Coordinated websites of various institutions made available on Ísland.is.

Six institutions moved their website to Ísland.is during the year. District Commissioners, Health Insurance, Immigration Office, Fisheries Office, National Electoral Commission, and Attorney General.

• The government's service organisations will continue to be advised that all their main application and licensing procedures will be available in self-service.

More than a thousand application and licensing procedures can be found on Ísland.is at the end of the year. Work continues to add and automate processes.

Information technology will be managed securely and efficiently through a solid infrastructure that meets public demands for essential services in institutions and promotes greater flexibility of public services.

• Work continues connecting organisations to X-road secure data transmission layer.

 Ongoing. 35 agencies connected, and 63 active APIs.

• Data security classification policy published.

Finished. More info in Icelandic.

• Cloud policy for the government published.

Finished. More info in Icelandic.

• Coordinated information technology across the state increased in close cooperation with ministries and institutions.

Ongoing.

Public institutions have the latest technological solutions and a modern working environment that encourages progress and flexibility and is the basis for a better and more efficient work organisation. A positive attitude is towards the opportunities of modern practice.

• Implement a project-based work environment.

Work in progress.

• Implement and hold out courses on Microsoft Office 365 for government employees.

Work in progress.

• Survey on digital competence of government employees measured.

Work in progress.

See more info for each measurement: