Why Digital Government Services Matter More Than People Realize
The common expectation when it comes to technological innovation tends to be large-scale or “earth shattering” events.
AI changing entire industries. Self-driving cars completely changing transportation. The incredible things people see in sci-fi films becoming reality.
There are also some examples of quieter technological advancements that bring with them as much value, if not more.
In the case of digital government services in the UAE, the way residents interact with government entities has fundamentally changed.
For instance, tasks that previously required someone to submit a physical paper application with an in-person visit to renew an individual’s license, request a permit or obtain a person’s official record can now, in many cases, be accomplished via mobile app.
While some of these changes don’t create global headlines like many other technological advancements do, they all have significant impacts on the day-to-day lives of individuals.
These new services provide improved efficiency, reduce the amount of friction created for the individual in dealing with the government and allow for the individual to spend less time dealing with bureaucratic processes, and therefore to focus more on work, family or self.
Overall, when considered as a collection of small changes, they contribute to the establishment of a society whose structures operate unobtrusively behind the scenes.
In this instance, technology is far more about practical solutions to everyday problems and much less about being the center of attention for a particular period of time.
