Abstract
Demographic trends with global consequences (such as age distribution, wealth distribution, immigration, and mobility and distribution of workers) are generating pressing issues in both developed and developing countries. What opportunities and risks do these demographic movements imply for governments at the various administrative and political levels? What ICT and eGovernment services will be needed in such an environment?
Keywords
demographic change, ageing, geographic mobility
Description
Grounding the research on eGovernment in the context of socio-demographic change
The issue of eGovernment in the context of an ageing population is very relevant as the development of ICT is often associated with the young people. The gap Ageing caused a lot of pros and cons discussions in the project consortium. On the one hand, ageing could be considered and treated as a fact, which has to be accepted and dealt with. On the other hand, ageing could become a serious gap, if it was conceived as a set of problems and the existing solutions / actions for their solving in the various areas of investigations. eGovernment is one of these areas and could offer some specific and effective solutions for the problems faced by the ageing population.
Also the aspect of migration and cultural differences have to be considered in this respect. People will move as it is their desire to live in a region with a good quality of life environment, good social contacts, etc. On the other hand, people seeking for a job will move to where good jobs are being offered. Since the Western world suffers from ageing, immigration will become crucial to keep up with economic growth. Consequently, different languages and different traditions and religions will come together. It will be a big challenge for governments to provide proper services for immigrants, foreign workers, elderly, etc. Aspects of "multilinguality and multiculture (see other research theme)": come in here as well.
Research question
- What ICT and eGovernment applications could help to decrease the digital divide among the different demographic groups in certain areas?
- Which modern technologies can be exploited to provide public services in this socio-demographically changing world?
- Which interoperability needs (healthcare, retirement, registration, qualification, multilingualism, multiculture, insurances, etc.) emerge from socio-demographic changes (ageing, immigration, emmigration, etc.)
