Citizen Connect - inclusion through technology

Thanks to reader Martine Tommis for this link to the English language version of the Final Report of the Citizen Connect Project [4 MB PDF]. This ~60 page report, available in multiple languages, has been produced at the conclusion of an EU funded project involving cities in the UK (Manchester and Glasgow), Spain (Gijon, Aviles, Valencia), Italy (Bari), Germany (Gera), Netherlands (The Hague), France (Lille, Tourcoing), Finland (Helsinki), Estonia (Tallinn), Poland (Gdansk, Warsaw). The report's 5 recommendations, though they have that "written by committee in such a way as to keep all partners happy" feel, are pretty coherent, and are reproduced in the continuation post below.

1. It is vital for all cities to have a coherent, evidence based ICT strategy which prioritises policy options against the achievement of key strategic goals. The ICT strategy needs to be regularly updated and monitored against changes in user needs and available technology platforms as they emerge and develop. If this is not done there is a danger that ICT programmes, regardless of their strategic significance, will be funding driven and will cease to exist at the end of the funding programme. Projects which fall into this category, regardless of their inherent quality, often have major problems towards the end of the programme as staff become demoralised, key individuals leave and survival becomes an end in itself rather than the creative provision of services to citizens.
2. Future policy initiatives dealing with e-inclusion need to take into account the fact that the digital divide is multi dimensional. The increasing take up rate of broadband disguises the fact that the gap between users and non-users of ICTs is becoming greater. Those familiar with the technology treat it as a vital part of their everyday life and embrace the digital future. Consequently a small, but nevertheless significant percentage of the population is then left further behind to form a digital underclass. Programmes that aim to reach this group need to concentrate on involving citizens in the production and use of compelling content. It also needs to be recognised that sector specific programmes aimed at this group are likely to need financial support in the medium to long term rather than the short term.
3. During 2005, the Lisbon strategy underwent a mid-term review with focus on growth and jobs. Recognition should be given to the fact that in many member states cities are often the largest employer and purchaser of goods and services. Moves towards e-procurement may damage the local economy. The threat is to local SMEs who fail to come to terms with e-commerce, electronic trading and e-purchasing. Failure to engage with ICT for those who depend on selling goods and services to public authorities could ultimately mean that they may cease trading.
4. High-speed internet connections have become an economic necessity and the European Commission recently announced plans to make broadband internet access available to every EU citizen within four years, (the debate continues as to the nature of “real broadband” – ADSL vs fibre). The supply of broadband connectivity in the home, regardless of geography, needs to be regarded in the same way as any other utility such as water or electricity. Where there is market failure, Structural Funds should be used to ensure that public/private partnerships are able to provide connectivity at competitive rates for all. In addition, citywide wireless networks could be developed as a tool to stimulate social inclusion and economic regeneration.
5. Consideration should be given in future programmes to funding the mobility of key personnel so that in-depth technical exchanges can take place between city administrations. Such a proposal is predicated on the idea that standards of interoperability should be rigorously enforced. The implicit benchmarking should also encourage a more strategic approach to electronic service delivery and ideally would encourage proposals for services of a trans-european nature. Further and more comprehensive funding for cross cutting thematic groups would be of use.