UK rises, and Denmark leads, in 2024 UN e-government rankings
James
Denmark, Estonia, and Singapore have emerged as the global frontrunners in the United Nations 2024 E-Government Survey, demonstrating outstanding digital infrastructure, human capital, and service provision - with the UK rising four places to 7th.
The top three countries were judged to have solidified their positions through consistent investment in technology and innovation, setting a global benchmark for digital governance. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom rose in to the top 10 for the first time in four years through "improved digital strategy", and just lagged slightly behind the leaders.
The UN E-Government Survey is a flagship report published biennially by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), aimed at assessing the state of digital government across its 193 member states.
Established in 2001, the rankings are based on the E-Government Development Index (EGDI), which measures three critical dimensions of e-government:
- Online Service Index (OSI) – evaluates the scope and quality of government websites and the accessibility of services offered online.
- Telecommunication Infrastructure Index (TII) – assesses the availability and quality of telecommunications infrastructure, such as internet connectivity, broadband subscriptions, and mobile penetration.
- Human Capital Index (HCI) – measures a country’s level of education and digital literacy, reflecting the capacity of the population to use e-government services.
Countries are ranked according to their performance in these areas, offering a snapshot of global trends and progress in digital transformation.
Denmark makes a habit of coming top
Denmark has retained its position as the top-ranked country for the fourth consecutive year, achieving the highest E-Government Development Index (EGDI) score of 0.9992.
The country excelled in every key indicator: online services, human capital, and telecommunications infrastructure. Denmark's pursuit of digital transformation has led to a near-perfect score in the Telecommunications Infrastructure Index (TII) and the Online Services Index (OSI).
These factors continue to position the country as a model for other governments aiming to enhance citizen engagement and digital public service delivery.
According to the report, Denmark’s success is anchored in its holistic approach to governance, where digital initiatives are seamlessly integrated into various sectors such as healthcare, public services, and education. The country’s government portals are widely recognised for their user-friendliness, accessibility, and comprehensive range of services, from tax payments to healthcare access.
UK: steady progress but room for growth
The United Kingdom retains its place among the top 10, ranked 7th with an EGDI score of 0.9535, marking a slight improvement from its 2022 ranking. The UK continues to excel in its online service provision, driven by initiatives such as GOV.UK, a unified government platform offering seamless access to various public services. Furthermore, its focus on cybersecurity, supported by laws like the Data Protection Act 2018 and the establishment of a secure digital identity framework, enhances the reliability and security of online interactions.
However, despite its achievements, the UK’s overall EGDI score reflects room for improvement, particularly in telecommunications infrastructure and human capital. While the UK has made strides in adopting AI and digital services, its EGDI score indicates the need for further investment in digital literacy and infrastructure, areas where countries like Denmark and Estonia lead by a considerable margin.
Key Recommendations for the UK
The report highlights a few areas where the UK could enhance its global standing. One critical recommendation is to bolster its investment in telecommunications infrastructure.
While the UK performs well in online services, its telecommunications index lags behind those of the leading nations. As broadband and 5G become even more integral to digital government services, the UK must prioritise improving access and speed, particularly in underserved rural areas.
Additionally, the UK is encouraged to strengthen its human capital by investing more in digital literacy programmes. This would not only support the development of a digitally skilled workforce but also ensure that the public can fully utilise the online services provided by the government. Enhanced digital literacy would complement the UK’s ongoing efforts in AI development, positioning it better to compete with global digital leaders.
Learning from the leaders
Denmark, Estonia, and Singapore have set the gold standard for e-government services through a mix of cutting-edge technology, strategic investments, and strong political will. Their success stories offer valuable lessons for the UK as it seeks to enhance its digital public services. While the UK remains a strong performer globally, with continued focus on infrastructure development and digital education, it could close the gap with the top three and reaffirm its position as a digital government leader.
The 2024 UN E-Government Survey provides a roadmap not just for the UK but for governments worldwide to harness the power of digital tools to improve public service delivery, ensure transparency, and engage citizens in governance.
