Switzerland is one of many of the digital avant-garde. During the construction of the data highways of our country is in the international comparison at the highest level: We will most probably have a 5G network, even before other countries have only conducted the auction for the necessary radio frequencies; that speaks volumes.
So far the private sector have advanced regarding digitization , however, may be, with the authorities electronically, Switzerland is lagging behind. Clearly the potential for improvement is in the recent E-Government study by the year 2019. The majority of the interviewed representatives of the authorities locates a need for Adjustment in the online offerings. Nearly 70 percent of the population seldom or never use an Internet portal for government transactions. The Swiss choose the electronic way, especially when Filling the tax Declaration, and for the extension of the deadline.
There are many reasons for the terms of E-Government demand of the population. It lacks, for example, of the basic technical requirements: We do not have any electronic identity card and electronic signature. These are but a prerequisite for dealing with the authorities can be handled in the electronic way, to be truly effective and safe.
additional revenue are prohibited
Just because in Switzerland, the technological development in the private sector so far has progressed, applications of the administrations often outdated. This reduces the “Lust” for the use of electronic services by the authorities.
The System: how E-Government in Switzerland is currently being lived, there is only one additional channel to obtain government services. There is little incentive to use the electronic way. The fees hardly differ: If you ordered a home bill now at the Desk or online – both are equally expensive. Also, the tax Declaration on paper with pencil is not expensive, although the collection of the tax offices is more complex.
in order to resist the charges of the regime of the Offices of the Equivalence – or ‘polluter pays’ principle. Although this is not stated directly in the Constitution, but according to the Federal court from this. The equivalence principle States that the state is allowed to provide its services to the citizens, only the actually incurred costs. Cross-financing or additional revenue are prohibited.
Even if it can look in each individual case is different, causing the electronic channel, as a rule, fewer personnel and material costs than the traditional power to the switch or the physical contact in the post – accordingly, the fees would have to be deeper.
pioneer Austria
it is Often argued that a different level of Fees would discriminate against people who can start with the Internet little. Especially the Elderly would then have to pay the Piper. Sovereign services you could not Dodge in the end. Apart from the fact that this attitude underestimates the digital literacy of a whole Generation, it is still not a justification for Cross-subsidisation. The criticism is based on a false understanding of the public Service. Without banking services, it can be in today’s world, not life, but almost nobody cares, that probably all the banks for the majority of the services on the switch to charge higher fees, as if these are digital.
Interestingly, Austria has known for some time now, different fees, the digital contact with the authorities is for the local citizens usually cheaper than the analog. Not surprisingly, E-Government is used in our Eastern neighboring country, much more intense than here. Price incentives have a strong influence, but they are not intended to be a means to an end. A consistent implementation of the polluter-pays principle could be E-Government, however, the necessary impetus, so that the administrations in Switzerland finally arrive continuously and comprehensively in the digital world.
(editing Tamedia)
Created: 07.04.2019, 23:30 PM
