Booz Allen Hamilton advises Gulf on international eGovernment trends

John Mauthé, Regional Manager of Technology for Middle East and Northern Africa at Booz Allen Hamilton, USA, joins H. E. Salem Al Shair, deputy director general, eGovernment and Information Sector, Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), UAE; Jeoungwon Yoon, executive director, National Information Society Agency (NIA), South Korea, and Richard Kerby, inter-regional advisor on eGovernment, United Nations, USA, on a panel discussion entitled 'adapting international trends into the local context of the GCC'.

John Mauthé commented, "eGovernment in the Gulf is evolving from its functional beginnings and is becoming much more interactive and community-led, shaped by global trends and by what Gulf citizens are asking for. Until quite recently, eGovernment focused on providing a framework for citizens to request services or make electronic payments online, automating existing processes or providing a platform for governments to share information about new initiatives or services. Now, however, it is much more interactive and community-based, spurred by social media and the way citizens interact in the digital sphere."

eGovernment initiatives and policies in the UAE set a strong example to other Gulf states, with the UAE providing an ideal technological environment for innovative eGovernment policies.

The UAE ranked third of all the Arab States in the 2011-2012 Networked Readiness Index (NRI) study issued by the World Economic Forum, and first among the Arab states in several individual indicators, including broadband internet subscribers and impact of ICT on new services and products.

It scored highly in the field of eGovernment, ranking fourth in ICT use and government efficiency, and fifth in government procurement of advanced technologies and products.

John Mauthé continued, "Governments are looking for ways to engage citizens in online conversations and involve them in decision-making, but for this to work and effectively include all citizens, and for it to reflect the unique demographic nature of each Gulf state, local government bodies can benefit from looking outside the region to examples of best practice set by other countries. They must also embark on a careful domestic consultation process to ensure all areas of their community are supported and listened to, installing the right technical framework to ensure that critical sites are always up and running and maintaining a robust approach to cyber security to protect personal data."

Booz Allen Hamilton has been a major player in the development of large-scale, highly successful eGovernment initiatives since the early 1990s. It has extensive experience in all these types of eGovernment initiatives and serves as a trusted advisor to all types of organizations regarding public value, burden reduction, user engagement and further adoption of eGovernment.

Booz Allen Hamilton has partnered with a variety of clients to explore the complex nature of eGovernment and understand how to enhance value to their citizens and customers. Booz Allen Hamilton supported Abu Dhabi Systems and Information Centre (ADSIC) in establishing and implementing a nationwide eGovernment programme, including a 5-year master plan, Program Management Office (PMO), and project support.

This work resulted in establishing Abu Dhabi as a recognised leader in eGovernment initiatives in the region and world and improved government services delivered to citizens, government, businesses, and employees.