e-Government in Switzerland
The term ‘e-government’ summarises government services that are provided electronically. Electronic processing saves not only paper but, above all, also time. But how widespread are such services in Switzerland? There are large differences at the federal, cantonal and municipal levels.
Cooperation Between Federal, Cantonal and Municipal Authorities
The electronic revolution does not spare government services either. Increasingly more formalities can be completed conveniently from your home or office by mouse click. After, in 2008, E-Government Schweiz was founded, e-government is promoted in Switzerland by federal, cantonal and municipal authorities together. The organisation set its sights on ensuring that especially businesses make their dealings with authorities electronically. Its operational goals include, for instance, seamless filing of electronic VAT returns by 2019 or the implementation of a system for electronic identities that will be recognised both domestically and internationally, also by 2019.
Range of Services Popular But Too Small
The use of e-government services is growing, as, according to a survey conducted by E-Government Schweiz, already some one third of the population and companies claim that they do all or almost all of their business with authorities online. The most popular of such services is the electronic filing of tax returns, which are already used by 47% of companies and 64% of the population. Satisfaction with the e-government services on offer is generally high, but it turns out that the demand still exceeds the supply. What is more, there are large differences between cantons. While, for example, in the canton of St. Gallen already 39% of all selected transactions with authorities can be made electronically, in the canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden it is merely 14%. At the federal level, things look quite different, as the range of services is currently being still developed. By implementing the federal authorities portal ch.ch, a first point of contact was created, where most demanded e-government services should be integrated by the end of 2019.
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