Infocity Project

A transparent and innovative local government has shaped Tampere into a strong Finnish e-government city. A special programme, eTampere, for the development of information society, was launched in 2001. eTampere contains six sub-programmes. The Infocity, run by the city, comprises three dimensions: developing digital services, access facilitation, and computer instruction - bearing in mind the importance of equality and a continuous review of service processes.

72% citizens use internet and the city web pages are accessed over two million times a month. In a user's survey the principal reasons for entering the city web site were to deal with the authorities and to obtain services.

Interactive on-line services and final transactions exist in the most comprehensive way on the library website. Among other things, it is possible to apply for rental housing by e-mail. Many kinds of forms from construction to swimming schools are available. With the help of an electronic identification system it is possible to forward official documents without signing them on paper.

A resident of the city can participate in local decision-making via the Internet. All agenda and plans by the local authorities are available on the Internet, and it is possible to comment on them by contacting the planners and decision-makers digitally. The results of different net surveys are taken into account, i.e. in determining the priorities in the budget.

Discussion platforms have been opened for topical issues, and opinions gathered this way have been appended to the preparation process. The "questions and answers" booth aims at finding answers to the questions from the public within a few days.

The most enthusiastic virtual citizens may join a neighbourhood community and utilise instruction and server space for local content production and group communication. Such services are even available to immigrants and ethnic minorities.

In addition to generating digital services, it is important to attend to their availability and the citizens' skills in using them. The City of Tampere has placed more than one hundred computers with free Internet connection in various public places. The Internet education is intensified through the eTampere programme. An Internet-bus "Netti-Nysse" offers all that in a wireless form on wheels. Ongoing projects and future plans include multi-purpose smart card, e-health and expanding e-democracy, e-learning and mobile services.