The European Union has set itself a strategic goal for the current decade: to make Europe the world's most competitive and dynamic economy, characterised by sustainable growth, more and better jobs and greater social cohesion, by 2010.
A total of 48 cities in 18 European countries answered the general questionnaire. The spread of city size and regional location among survey participants would suggest that the results can be considered representative for all the members of the Eurocities network, which brings together the local governments of more than 170 local authorities in some 34 European countries (including associated partner cities).
The eCitizenship for All 2005 benchmark survey was designed to investigate what cities are already doing, and what they will do in the future, that will positively contribute to the delivery of the Lisbon goals that have been agreed by the European Union. The survey covered three main fields of action: eEurope - in terms of restructuring governmental services and establishing the infrastructure to connect citizens and businesses, employment and education; Employment - in terms of creating jobs in the knowledge economy; and Education - to ensure that all citizens and all age-groups can develop the skills necessary to participate in the knowledge society. In addition, the survey also included questions relating to 'good governance', which is important for ensuring the effective and efficient implementation of necessary measures at all levels.
Richard Drewes, Deloitte's European survey leader, said: "The knowledge base created through this process represents a valuable and unique tool for European cities to benchmark themselves against each other and provide scope for bilateral learning and knowledge sharing in the light of the European Commission's new and comprehensive Information & Communication Technology strategy. This benchmark is an unprecedented tool for cities aiming at highly effective services and a greater overall performance."
The survey results - presented at last month's EU ministerial conference on eGovernment in Manchester, UK - confirm that Europe's cities are important centres in terms of social and economic development. As the main drivers of Europe's economy, it is therefore appropriate that cities should play a prominent role in the framework of the Lisbon Strategy. However, since the original Lisbon Declaration in March 2000, the EU and national governments have failed to fully recognise the contribution that cities in general, and local governments in particular, can make in terms of helping to achieve the Lisbon goals. In most countries, the Lisbon goals are perceived to be the responsibility of regional and national governments. Nevertheless, the majority of cities are implementing policies in fields relevant to the Lisbon agenda, such as employment, eGovernment and education. One may conclude that the role of cities in relation to the Lisbon Agenda has been undervalued, and deserves to be given greater recognition and attention.
Richard Leese (pictured), President of Eurocities and Leader of Manchester City Council, explains: "Europe's cities have a central role to play in helping to deliver the Lisbon Agenda. The re-launched Lisbon Strategy will only be successful if cities are directly involved in the design and delivery of the National Reform Programmes for growth and jobs, and also the National Action Plans for social inclusion in all Member States. The eCitizenship for All benchmark survey is an excellent initiative which demonstrates the important role of local authorities in accomplishing the Lisbon goals by providing citizens with tangible benefits in terms of economic prosperity, social cohesion, more and better jobs, and a healthier environment."
A total of 48 cities in 18 European countries answered the general questionnaire. The spread of city size and regional location among survey participants would suggest that the results can be considered representative for all the members of the Eurocities network (130 member cities plus more than 40 partner cities in 34 countries). However, the relatively low number of responses from cities in central and eastern Europe means that it is not yet possible to properly evaluate the situation in these countries.
Further information about Eurocities is available at: www.eurocities.org
Quelle: eStrategies, 08.12.2005
