Vice-President of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) Hanno Pevkur was the keynote speaker today at the international conference Digital Czech Republic 2018 in Prague, where he emphasised that success depended on being ready for changes and going along with them.

“Ten years ago, most of us could not even think that it would be possible to go shopping so that you scan the goods yourself, pay with a mobile phone, and there is no role for a shop assistant or a cashier in this process,” Pevkur said. He stated that digital world was not the future, but a part of our everyday life, and by now it was hard to imagine a life without digital opportunities.

“In the ever more and faster globalising competition between the states, only those are successful who are innovative and fast in their choices, including their economic policy and legal policy choices,” Pevkur said. He added that the education system that looked into the future, economy without restrictions and innovation were the things that helped counties to be successful.

The Vice-President of the Riigikogu pointed out the rules that the digital development needed in his opinion. “Simplicity, openness, freedom, profit and the support of decision-makers are the five key principles that must be followed if you want to be successful in today’s rapidly globalising world,” Pevkur said. “I am convinced that in the coming decades, those countries will be successful that promote digital development to the greatest extent and take into use innovative solutions.”

In his speech, Pevkur also spoke of the success story of the Estonian e-state. Nearly 20 years ago, Estonia introduced to the world e-Tax Board, which was followed by e-government, e-Commercial register, e-school, e-health, and some years ago, e-residency. He added that Estonia could still learn a lot, and develop.

Member of the Riigikogu Taavi Rõivas also delivered a speech at the conference and spoke in greater detail about e-governance.

Yesterday, Vice-President of the Riigikogu Hanno Pevkur and Member of the Riigikogu Taavi Rõivas attended the opening of the Estonian Days in Prague within the framework of Estonia 100 celebrations.

Photos of the opening of the Estonian Days

Riigikogu Press Service
Merilin Kruuse
phone +372 631 6353, +372 510 6179
e-mail [email protected]
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