Rapid developments in digital technologies, data and their applications present opportunities and challenges for governments in their quest and journey to deliver greater value to citizens and businesses. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is now more important than ever for governments to accelerate their digital transformation to demonstrate the resilience and agility that societies and economies expects from public sector organisations.
The Government of Lebanon recognises the potential of “going and being digital”. In particular, the Office of the Minister of State for Administrative Reform (OMSAR) has been supporting ministries to drive the digital transformation by developing new public services and laying the foundations of enablers such as interoperability and digital identity frameworks. The design of the Lebanon Digital Transformation: Strategies to Action (2020-2030) Volume 1 (referred to in this report as the digital transformation draft strategy), and the Lebanon Digital Transformation (2020-2030): Implementation Plan Volume 2 (referred to in this report as its action plan), reflect the government's commitment to a sound digital government policy as a critical enabler for improved social well-being and sustainable economic development. At the same time, there is much room for improvement in terms of leadership and co-ordination for the digital transformation.
This OECD Digital Government Study of Lebanon assesses the main elements of the governance of digital government and provides action-oriented policy recommendations to help the Government of Lebanon improve the efficiency, efficacy, coherence and sustainability of its digital government policy and process.
This study was prepared at the request of OMSAR of Government of Lebanon. It refers to and builds upon the analytical framework provided by the OECD Recommendation of the Council on Digital Government Strategies, adapts the E-Leaders Handbook on Governance and leverages the OECD's expertise on digital government developed through similar projects since 2001. The study brought together experts and policy practitioners from several countries to provide peer insights for a comprehensive approach. The OECD Digital Government survey 1.0 was also undertaken by OMSAR, whose insights have informed this study.