SAVREMENA JAVNA UPRAVA I PROCES DIGITALIZACIJE

Abstract

The process of digitalizing public administration brings about a range of positive changes, primarily resulting in a more functional administration, improved (two-way) communication with citizens, and more accessible and rapidly delivered public services. Digital public administration, as both a concept of administrative operation and a component of centralized citizen services, leads to faster, more efficient, and more accountable access to services. Citizens are provided with the opportunity to access information and services with significant time savings. The transformative process of digitalization in public administration is based on free digital access to services, digital literacy, and digital communication. In order for the digitalization of public administration to achieve the desired level of efficiency, it is essential to ensure digital equality, i.e., the availability of digital tools. A fundamental prerequisite for the digitalization of public administration and its proper functionality lies in the provision of material and technical infrastructure. In addition to numerous advantages, the key negative aspect of public administration digitalization is the digital divide. Furthermore, the challenges of digitalization are also reflected in the adequate implementation of European standards. In this regard, the principle of "once-only" must be observed, according to which users should be required to provide information to public authorities only once. Other essential principles include inclusiveness, interoperability, reliability, and security.