and businesses to use data in ways most helpful to them including developing applications relevant to their own needs and interests and such increase innovation. All internal and external processes should be transparent to the customers 7. Drive continuous improvement Processes and systems should be constantly evaluated and improved in light of their efficiency, effectiveness and flexibility. This principle should be applied foremost on new investments, which are firstof-a-kind for the Romanian Government, to safeguard against initial significant investments that bring only reduced added value. Additionally, this should be applied in a continual manner to all running initiatives. Examples: A monitoring, feedback and improvement mechanism will be put in place for the satisfaction and overall quality of a system by each entity investing in public services. Entities should make the most out of the available information – start small and aim for perfection 8. Aim for sustainable initiatives Complementing the above principle, all investments in ICT sector need to be sustainable – that means selffunding themselves or with a solid Return on Investment plan for the Government, even if not financially. This principle will ensure that all initiatives in Romania are prioritized with respect to their costs (initial and recurrent for the entire lifespan of the initiative) and will not bring significant burden to the budget without clear results, in detriment to other planned or strategic investments which can yield additional benefits. Examples: Entities should secure funding for the investment for a period up to 5 years for all recurrent costs of that investment objective (including initial investment, maintenance, upgrades etc.). For all decentralized initiatives, a centralized system needs to be put in place – ensuring uniformity and efficiency for processes, data and technology 9. Facilitate innovation In order to create technological innovation and growth which can make possible significant enhancements in the way Romania delivers its services, a competitive and equal chances environment should be in the center of all Romanian initiatives. Examples: Technology is an enabler for minimizing disparity meaning that having access to the right technology at the right time is an enabler for reducing inequity for all major perspectives of a citizen. With proper technology in place, the current environment can be monitored and evaluated, leading to improvements in areas found inadequate. Consecutively, the right services can be identified and delivered through the use of technology. 10. Maximize initial investment All investments need to make sure they achieve their full potential. Examples: Entities should break down barriers of adoption by incentivizing the use of the service (for example reducing the time needed to interact with that public service and/or reducing fees). Entities should put in place a mechanism for evaluating and improving the rate of adoption. From a tactical perspective, based on consultation with the stakeholders in Romania (both in terms of citizens / private business as well as public sector representatives), the following table summarizes the main issues underlying the need for change. Issue Rationale Field of Action to Support Sustainable Public Finances And Taxation System Romania low tax compliance represents a major challenge and the sustainability and adequacy of Field of action 1 Field of action 4 Page 28 of 172