Claudia Oliveira: It is a dream of mine to see a world where digital government is a reality. This is impossible without interoperability

Claudia Oliveira is a Programme Manager at the European Commission. She joined the Interoperable Europe Unit of DG DIGIT in December 2022 and since then is responsible for the interoperability monitoring mechanism and its transformation in the context of the Interoperable Europe Act and the Digital Decade Policy Programme. Additionally, she contributes to the pre-accession discussions with the Western Balkans and any matter related to international organisations and third countries. 

Her current position is a continuation of her lifelong professional mission—to be a public servant in the fullest sense of the word. She has always aspired to help people on a large scale, which has led her to various roles in the Portuguese and European public sectors. 

Since her first working day at DG DIGIT, Claudia has played a pivotal role in modernising interoperability and digital government monitoring mechanisms. She has contributed to key publications such as the Berlin Declaration progress report, the Digital Public Administration factsheets, the State-of-Play report on digital public administration and interoperability, among others. 

Discover more about her work in the interview. 

Q: The second report on the progress of the Berlin Declaration was published in the past year. You were actively involved in compiling the publication. What are the main findings there? 

A: The report aims to highlight more qualitative evidence, particularly focusing on three topics chosen with the previous Swedish Presidency of the Council. These are fundamental rights, digital literacy, and human-centred AI. By concentrating on these areas, we have been able to provide a more in-depth analysis and align the report with the broader political context. We now have a collection of success stories and good practices from various countries, offering insights into their performance, challenges, and success factors. These stories and practices are included in both the overall EU performance analysis and the individual country fiches, which are available on Joinup.  

All the qualitative stories from the countries can also be found on Joinup. The report also closely links to the Digital Decade and the to the State-of-Play report, as our data has contributed to the Digital Decade report. We have expanded our analysis at the EU level, offering collective insights on progress and challenges across the Union. 

In terms of key findings, there is a positive growth trend across most priorities, although some areas are lagging. Policy Area 2, focusing on 'Social participation and inclusion', scores the lowest. This suggests a need for better compliance with European accessibility standards. Policy Area 5, 'Digital sovereignty and interoperability,' which scores well, might see further improvement following the OOTS implementation and possibly with the adoption of the Interoperable Europe Act. Lastly, Policy Area 4, 'Trust and security,' although showing good results, still requires attention, especially considering current global events such as the war initiated by Russia against Ukraine. 

Q: Besides the report on the Berlin Declaration, in 2023 we welcomed the NIFO's Digital Public Administration factsheets. They are known as a valuable resource for government agencies and stakeholders interested in promoting interoperability. Can you tell us how they are supporting Member States in achieving better interoperability? 

A: The Digital Public Administration factsheets are instrumental in gathering and disseminating information about interoperability initiatives across 31 European countries. They enable public administrations to inform various stakeholders about what is being done at the national level and to showcase progress in interoperability. These factsheets are not just informative; they are also a source of inspiration. Seeing what other countries are doing to foster interoperability can spark new ideas and approaches in other administrations. 

Q: Can you share a few success stories? What was the big highlight of 2023? 

A: While we do not specifically label them as 'success stories,' the factsheets have highlighted several key trends. We have seen updates in digital and data strategies to boost the green and digital transition and modernisation of IT infrastructures to enhance processes and decision-making. There is also a focus on improving access to information and transparency in public administrations. For instance, Belgium introduced a new budget platform in 2022 to increase transparency in the public sector. Additionally, there has been progress in trust and security with developments in eID and cybersecurity strategies, as well as in digital public services such as eHealth and digital skills education. In the area of interoperability and data, we have seen initiatives to enhance data sharing within administrations and the adoption of open data policies. 

Q: Every year, NIFO releases a state-of-play report on digital public administration and interoperability. What were the trends in 2023? 

A: The 2023 State-of-Play report underwent a major revamping to make it shorter and more reader-friendly, focusing on a selection of three main themes currently key to interoperability and digitalisation in Europe. These themes are interoperable public services, the use of innovative technologies in the public sector, and data sharing. By concentrating on these areas, we aim to provide a deeper analysis and more insights based on the latest information, complemented by inputs from the 2023 DPA factsheets and EIF/BDM monitoring mechanisms. The report also gives an overview of the main trends identified in the aforementioned. 

Q: What does an interoperable Europe mean to you? 

A: I am passionate about the concept of a digital government. Some friends of mine, who are not involved in this field, express concerns that digitising government functions might lead to job losses. However, I firmly believe the opposite is true. 

In reality, the transition towards a digital government, especially one underpinned by interoperability, can create new job opportunities. It is not just about replacing existing jobs with digital processes; it is about enhancing skills, increasing expertise, and making roles more fulfilling. This shift is beneficial not only to individuals but also to the broader societal and economic ecosystems. 

Interoperability is the key here – it is about making different systems and processes work seamlessly together. This interconnectedness does not just streamline operations; it enriches them. It is a dream of mine to see a world where digital government is a reality. However, such transformation is impossible without interoperability. 

In my view, interoperability leads to prosperity. When you think about it, the move towards a digital, interoperable government only brings positive outcomes. 

So, for me, an interoperable Europe signifies everything that is beneficial. It is a change that can only yield positive results.