Denmark on the way Although Denmark has already become far more digital, we have only just embarked on the very extensive process of transition. With digital solutions becoming ever more widespread, citizens and businesses have high expectations for digital public services that are up-to-date and add value to everyday life. However, technological developments are happening at such a pace that we are not always able to predict the digital opportunities, users' needs and societal benefits that the future will bring. When development of the eIdentification solution NemID was planned in 2008, smartphones were not that widespread and the computer tablet had yet to be invented. Therefore, it could not have been predicted that, only a few years later, users would want to be able to read their digital post or log onto public-service web portals and onto self-service or online banking solutions from their mobile devices. Continuous modernisation necessary Continuous improvement and adaptation of public sector digital solutions and systems are therefore necessary in step with the development of technologies and of society. This will require investment. In future years, it will also be necessary for a number of authorities to modernise or replace 10 A STRONGER AND MORE SECURE DIGITAL DENMARK some of their IT systems, either because they are outdated or because they are no longer working according to their intended purpose. Furthermore, the IT solutions and processes of a number of authorities are today designed to match the internal needs and organisation of the authority rather than the needs of citizens and businesses which, in many cases, go across authorities and sectors. Much data is still stored differently and defined differently from one public authority to another. This makes exchange of data across sectors or administrations very difficult. This in turn makes it unnecessarily complicated for different authorities to collaborate to deliver the best and most efficient services to individuals and businesses. This calls for solutions. Therefore, extensive development and clear-up work is required so that citizens and businesses can rest assured the service they receive is coherent and that the IT systems function optimally. However, the public sector has a solid foundation. Many principles and methods have already been developed by different authorities and can be reused and disseminated to more authorities. Expenditures and revenues will come under pressure The public sector will be faced with a significant strain on public expenditure in the years to come. This is due, in particular, to demands to deal with an aging population, climate change, housing and integrating refugees, as well as more expenditure on the health services. At the same time, impacts from the EU with regard to the application of data across national borders, legislation as well as language and accessibility requirements, will be significant for our opportunities to develop Danish public services and administrations. Financing the Danish welfare system is based on the taxes and charges paid by individuals and businesses. However, digital development and new business models will also challenge the revenue models and regulatory models of the public sector. The global, digital economy is expected to grow and, in the long term, perhaps require new solutions. New, internet-based business models can provide new opportunities for growth, greater flexibility and a wider range of services for users. However, with regard to taxation and market regulation, etc., these business models will also challenge the structure of society. A STRONGER AND MORE SECURE DIGITAL DENMARK 11