E-govt. strategy set for June publication

Costa Rica's IT and communications committee (Conatic) will publish in June a set of guidelines instructing public offices how to put their services online within 18 months, science and technology minister Fernando Gutiérrez said in a statement. Conatic agreed this week to set down clear guidelines to revamp Costa Rica's e-government drive after a study of 136 public offices showed that since the beginning of the digital government program in 2002 only 38% of government services are accessible via internet. The results of the study, published March 31, were a clear indication to Gutiérrez of the need to form Conatic, a committee of representatives from the public and private sector with the task of coordinating the e-government program and monitoring its achievements. "This study demonstrated to me the necessity to form this committee, because before this nobody had any clear development goals," Gutierrez told BNamericas. The study was carried out between August 2004 and January 2005 with the aim of quantifying the software, hardware, networks, internet access and applications available in public entities. Of the 136 questionnaires sent, 81, or 60% responded in full. The sectors that responded most were from transport, environment and energy, economy and industry, health, science and technology, justice, security, housing, culture and entertainment and the women's ministry. Feedback showed that 90% of the institutions have data networks; 57% have local network distribution; 96% have internet connections; 74% have a website; and 38% of applications directed toward the general public, businesses and social projects are available online. Also, 2.5 of every 100 computer users have specialized IT training; almost 80% of servers were built on Microsoft platforms; and of the 81 educational institutes polled 37% have an IT strategy. The main limitations for further development of IT use are limited budgets, lack of training, difficulty in contracting and retaining staff, and lack of integration among applications. PRIORITIES AND BUDGETS According to Gutierrez, the goals set for each public institution for the 18-month period will depend on the complexity of the tasks needed and the existing IT infrastructure in place. The finance ministry is a top priority given the services it oversees, such as customs and taxes, and it already has the most advanced IT infrastructure, Gutierrez said. Other priorities will include financial services, the national insurance institute and the state water and electricity utilities due to their wide coverage. However, the study will not necessarily lead to boosting government funds for each public entity, he said, adding that each body would have to redistribute its own budget accordingly. "I don't think the budgetary requirements for putting services online will be that high. Each one is going to have to do a series of studies within their own budget limits." However, some additional funding may be available for special cases, and additional IT funds might be made available at the end of the first 18-month period, he added. Gutierrez said it was likely the government would outsource contracts to the private sector, especially for equipment supply and maintenance, as well as incorporating human resources in order to "accelerate the process." In drawing up its guidelines Costa Rica will look at e-government models in Chile as well as in Canada, South Korea and Great Britain. In other news, Conatic has agreed to back a digital signature bill proposed by the science and technology ministry Micit. The bill is due for approval in a few months. The Conatic committee is presided by Micit and includes representatives from the finance ministry, ministry of the presidency, national insurance institute, the association of chambers and private enterprise associations, the rectors' board of directors, the financial institutes regulator and the IT professionals association.