The Estonian government gives technology companies access to technology and public sector expertise to allow them to create and test their digital services. In return, it wants free use of the resulting services.
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The Digital Testbed Framework, as the initiative is known, invites tech startups and government technology companies to test digital prototypes, products and services.
Estonia is considered one of the most digitally advanced countries in the world regarding government services, with 99% of its public services online and was the first country in the world to introduce online voting. In 2002, Estonia launched a national identity system, combining identity cards with digital signatures that citizens use to pay taxes, vote, conduct banking transactions online and access their health records.
The country also has a strong startup ecosystem, with tech companies such as Skype and the Bolt app that originate from the Baltic country.
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The Digital Testbed Framework has already been used by the Estonian parliament and the Ministry of Education and Research to collaborate on reusable artificial intelligence (AI) components, and by the Estonian Health Board to develop the official Covid-19 app.
Andres Sutt, Estonia's Minister of Entrepreneurship and IT, said the government values cooperation with the private sector, adding: "This is why the Digital Testbed Framework. It is yet another proof of how Estonia is not waiting for the future, but actively building it."
In 1991, the Soviet Union officially recognized Estonia as an independent nation, ending more than half a century of domination. But when it withdrew, Estonia had nothing at its disposal to support a new government.
However, a combination of the scientific heritage from its former conquerors and the determination of the Estonians has seen the nation emerge as a global technological power.
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Technology companies that are interested in taking part in the Digital Testbed Framework have a deadline until October 10, 2021 to submit an application.
Information source: computerweekly.com
