Preparation of new policy on the information society
Information society policies in Iceland
- Future vision of the Icelandic government regarding the information society (1996)
- Resources to Serve Everyone (2004)
- The third policy' will be introduced in May 2008
Formulation of a new policy on the information society
The Icelandic government has decided to formulate a new policy on the information society for the period of 2008 to 2012, a policy that will reflect the current points of government emphasis and be founded, among other things, on the government's general policy declaration and the focal political points of the coalition parties. A policy committee has been appointed, consisting of two representatives from each party along with a representative from the Prime Minister's Office. Consultation groups have also been established and are working together with the policy committee. The mission of the policy committee is to submit a policy proposal together with an implementation plan that prioritises tasks and establishes quantitative objectives when appropriate.
Organised bodies for policy formulation
- Policy committee
- Core group comprising the director generals of all the ministries
- Consultation group comprising representatives of stakeholders and the ministries
Process
- Compose a policy framework (focal points and scope)
- Ministries and stakeholders submit proposals for greater elaboration (general objectives and objectives for particular fields)
- Subsequently formulate an implementation plan, including defined tasks to be revised annually
- Conduct open consultation through www.island.is
Achievements envisaged by the policy committee
That the following clear, ambitious future vision (guiding principle) be fulfilled:
Icelanders shall be at the forefront of nations with respect to online public services and the utilisation of information technology.
- A brief, concise policy
- A policy which elaborates the statement of government policy
- .... and contains quantitative, time-specific objectives
- An implementation plan that is subject to annual revision
Prerequisites of achievement in policy formation and implementation
- Open consultation – see the discussions at www.island.is
- Effective cooperation with stakeholders and the ministries and other bodies that are supposed to execute the policy
- Participation of the highest echelons of administration in policy formulation and their ongoing pursuit of its implementation