Government newsletter, 18 mars 2011
Sweden grows with IT
Sweden is a country of great distances with great variation in how we live our lives. Some people live in densely populated cities, others in smaller communities. Some people can enjoy services close at hand practically around the clock, while others have to travel vast distances for services and care. At the same time, more and more of society's services are being digitised. This helps to make daily life easier - no matter where one chooses to live. Digital development also leads to the creation of entirely new markets for services and increased service levels.
Lena Granefelt/Johnér
But digital development is meaningless unless all households and businesses are able to benefit from it. Sweden is already one of the world's most connected countries - but the possibilities of fully benefiting from the technology and using it for public services, service and enterprise can be even greater with more powerful broadband and the more advanced use of digital tools.
A digital agenda for Sweden
Sweden is a leading IT nation and we want to defend that position. Before the end of the year, the Government will therefore present its IT strategy A digital agenda for Sweden'. The strategy will focus on how to use all the opportunities offered by modern information technology in the best way.
How do we ensure that our school pupils can deal with teaching methods that integrate modern IT tools into education? How can we use technology to ensure that patients receive better and safer care? How can we help to create a market where entrepreneurs, by offering services and applications, can help to simplify, economise on resources and create new values?
How can we reduce our ecological footprint with the help of IT? These are some of the areas likely to be included in the new strategy, as well as the ongoing expansion of broadband, with good conditions for both operators and consumers.
Everyone can contribute
Everyone is welcome to participate in the work on the digital agenda for Sweden. A concerted effort is required - from public authorities, businesses and civil society - and the goals must be both shared and clear. And work has already begun.
In February and March, seven round-table discussions were held on seven different subjects, from environmental issues and IT in health care to the development of new digital public services.
In the middle of March, the newly established Digitisation Council held its first meeting. It consists of 27 members from different segments of society, all of whom possess different knowledge and experience of the IT sector. Its task is to advise and inspire, but also to be a forum for strategic discussion between the Government and different parts of society.
