Smart chatbots, streetlights that switch on when people walk by, and drones that detect waste dumps. Society is rapidly digitizing, and this presents both opportunities and risks for the municipality. In the i-Vision 2035, launched today, the municipality provides guidance on the digitization of services for residents, businesses, and visitors to the city, and the implications for business operations over the next ten years.
The i-Vision project provides a preview of the impact of digitalization on municipal services and operations. This offers opportunities, such as a smart chatbot that connects residents directly with a municipal official or simplifies parking permit applications through the municipal app. Or consider smart street lighting that automatically switches on for pedestrians and cyclists. There are also risks. Safety and privacy must be guaranteed as much as possible. It’s also crucial that everyone can participate in digital transformation, regardless of their digital literacy.
Alderman Hilbert Bredemeijer: “Digitalization isn’t about replacing people, but about empowering them. Therefore, digitalization must serve residents, seizing opportunities and avoiding risks. With i-Vision 2035, we’re guiding the municipality’s digitalization. We’re working toward customized digital services for residents, businesses, and city visitors. Convenience, reliable information, security, and privacy are paramount. Moreover, we’re ensuring that everyone can participate, including residents with less digital skills.”
The key priorities of i-Vision 2035 are divided between what’s important for the city and what the municipality itself needs to do in its operations to achieve its digital ambitions. For the city, these include customized digital services, digital inclusion, participation, responsible use of smart technology, and increased collaboration with partners, businesses, and schools. Digital skills must be up to par for operations. Data-driven work is becoming commonplace, and security, privacy, and a future-proof IT infrastructure are also crucial.
“Our The Hague i-Vision 2035 fully aligns with the Dutch Digitalization Strategy (NDS). Collaboration between various government organizations is crucial so that residents, regardless of where they live, optimally benefit from reliable and smart digital services,” says Dennis Ravensbergen, CIO and author of the i-Vision 2035 for the municipality of The Hague.
See the full i-Vision 2035 here .
For more on the Dutch Digitalisation Strategy: https://www.digitaleoverheid.nl/nederlandse-digitaliseringsstrategie-nds/
Text: Gemeente Den Haag
Image: https://pixabay.com/illustrations/network-digitalisation-communication-9250471/
Translation: The Hague Online