Digital Society Principles: Towards e-Governance

This course explains the foundational components of e-Governance and their interaction in an digital society. It starts with an introduction to digital society and how it has established the environment for e-governance development. Then, the main building blocks of e-governance, their aims, initiatives, and enablers are introduced, and how they are related to external subjects and domains. As the nature of the course is interdisciplinary, it entails an intersection of multiple domains by explaining political, legal, social, economic, and IT layers impacting e-governance implementation. The course is primarily online. However, to cover the various topics, e-governance experts, policymakers, and practitioners will share their insights and experience with students in-person during a mandatory seminar week in early November in Tallinn, Estonia, at the Mektory Innovation Hub (Raja 15). The week will also include field visits to government authorities and private companies in the e-governance field. To summarize, the course curriculum is built on the practical and theoretical knowledge gained from various e-governance projects and initiatives in Estonia and worldwide.

NB! This course will take place in spring semester 2025/2026 which starts on 2nd of February and ends on 15th of June (you can find that information under start date section). TalTech's timetables for spring semester 2026 will be published at the beginning of January via tunniplaan.taltech.ee.

After completing this course, the student:

• is familiar with the principles of the digital society and the key components of e-governance;
• has an overview of strategies and policy for steering the development of the digital society and ICT, and their connection to the government’s work programmes;
• has an overview of different ICT policies, e-governance components, and related activities;
• understands the logic of how the digital society functions and its main principles, and is able to plan the transition to e-governance practices in the public sector.

Final assessment can consist of one test/assignment or several smaller assignments completed during the whole course. After declaring a course the student can re-sit the exam/assessment once. Assessment can be graded or non-graded. For specific information about the assessment process please get in touch with the contact person of this course. For specific information about grade transfer please contact your home university

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• Course web page: https://moodle.taltech.ee/course/view.php?id=30640

lectures, exercises