In this second instalment of the four-part Connected Life series, Cisco Malaysia’s managing director Kumaran Singaram discusses the concept of connected government and explores the key drivers as well as areas of growth in developing compelling national e-government strategies for a flourishing national economy.

AS we move into an increasingly global economy, the importance of public sector services continues to rise. A country’s public service infrastructure is a major component in the cycle of productivity that generates economic growth and improves living standards.

Additionally, with the rise of fixed-mobile convergence and wireless broadband technologies, a country can only expect to see accelerated connectivity and mobility in areas such as local and state governments, public services and private sectors – a nation’s basic growth pillars.

It is undeniable that today’s information age has changed society. Citizens have greater expectations now than in the past. This evolution is creating a shift in the culture of government, and policy makers must respond more quickly to citizens to make services more accessible.

Addressing challenges through networks

The next frontier for governments is to take advantage of the value and power of networks to connect people and businesses with government entities, creating an environment where governments are truly organised for, and adapt first and foremost to the needs of citizens and businesses.

One of the most important metrics for a mobile government is how fast and how well these services are delivered. This is crucial, especially for governments where service delivery is dependent on accurate, real-time communication, feedback, actions and decisions anytime, anywhere.

Equally, governments must improve top-line and offer both near and long-term returns on investments. Addressing these challenges requires global mobility, organisational agility and recognition that information and its on-demand availability is a strategic advantage.

Mobility and connectivity

Mobility and connectivity today have become a holistic human network that is dynamic, accessible, efficient and highly adaptive to change. This increased connectivity not only will allow citizens and businesses to access various data, voice and video applications anywhere, anytime, but also enhance collaboration and efficiency within the public and private sectors, and delivery of services.

As economic development is critical for a community to prosper, state and local governments must continually seek innovative ways to attract more people to live, work, learn and spend in their communities. In short, a connected government should empower its citizens with greater flexibility and access to services to foster a pro-business environment in the community that will translate into economic growth.

Companies seek out cities that make it easy to do business. Cities with advanced networks can promote themselves to prospective businesses by providing online information about the advantages of doing business in the town and city. In addition to simply publishing information online, governments can capitalise on their networks to provide government-to-business services such as tax policies, land-use policies, online permits and one-stop licensing.

Better quality of life and economy

Networked infrastructures can encourage tourism, shopping and dining, as governments deploy wireless hotspots in strategic locations, making it easier for visitors to select and locate destinations. Convenient online service delivery enables governments, citizens and visitors to enjoy enhanced quality life – residents can work outdoors on laptops; tourists can check travel guides and information anytime, anywhere; students can organise their time better for study or play; and city workers can share information on the go.

By taking advantage of their existing networks, governments can create responsive and resilient citizen-centric environments that connect constituents to important resources, creating a climate in which the economy can flourish.

Innovative, network-based services lay the groundwork for state and local governments to do more with less. The more a government offers its residents and businesses, the more attractive the community becomes. This community plays a pivotal role in attracting and retaining residents and businesses that can be prosperous contributors to the local economy.

Economic development, a top priority for state and local governments, flourish in communities that provide effective government-to-business services and attract business investment. The challenge is achieving these goals without increasing operational costs. State and local governments around the world are driving economic development today using advanced network technologies.