Estonia: the unlikely champion

Abstract

Winters in Estonia are perhaps not as harsh as foreigners imagine, but they can be quite cold and snowy. Despite well-functioning transport even in wintry conditions, some days it is tempting to stay indoors. Some people claim that this is the reason for Estonia developing the most advanced e-governance system in Europe, and one of the most advanced in the world. Another perhaps more accurate explanation is found in the history of the country, which regained its independence in 1991 after nearly 50 years of Soviet occupation, during which many aspects of society had been destroyed. Catching up with the Nordic neighbours in any foreseeable future appeared like an impossible dream. Fortunately, there were political leaders and people in administration who realised that there was nothing to lose in trying to skip steps that countries with more advantageous histories had gone through, in attempting entirely new solutions for administrative issues. Thus, e-governance was born – much earlier than in most countries. For example, the Estonian cabinet went paperless in the year 2000.