Session: m-Government for Effective and Inclusive Public Services

Concise Description:
Mobile access to the Internet is on the rise in both developed and developing countries. In OECD countries, "smartphones" and tablet PCs are opening up new ways of access to government services. But even lower-cost devices in developing countries are no barrier - provided that electronic government services are designed with multiple access channels in mind. Mobile government is an important area to consider not only because it allows for better and more efficient provision of public services. It also provides opportunities for greater inclusion through ICTs and can contribute to wider economic and social progress, e.g. in the context of the MDGs.

The OECD will present m-government research undertaken jointly with the ITU and UN DESA. Participants will discuss main findings in light of related Internet governance issues, e.g. provision of electronic services, access and infrastructure, privacy. Desired outputs include proposals on how governments and citizens can jointly leverage and innovate in the mobile Internet eco-system. Discussions will refer to the roles of new value chain participants and stakeholders in public services provision, e.g. telecommunications operators, 3rd party application developers and mobile content platforms.