Next Generation Digital Government Microdegree
The micro-degree program provides a broad overview of the digital world. The goal is to give the participants knowledge on how to adapt and change an organization to meet the requirements of today's digital world, and be capable of functioning in the information society. The program develops an innovative way of thinking in building a digital state, which helps to create new and effective digital solutions and digitize public services. Through the changes brought about by digital transformation, the meaning of processes and their impact on all parties are also discussed: citizens, officials, organizations as a whole and the entire public and private sector in general. In addition, interoperability and the necessary building blocks such as eID, digital signature, and cross-border data exchange between institutions are discussed. The program covers the principles and blocks of e-governance and provides knowledge of the main foundations of the digital state. The program contains simple instructions and uses a practical approach, offering professionals and experts frameworks, methodologies and recommendations based on both global practice and examples of best practices in Estonia. Program is designed for students and professionals.
The Next Generation Digital Government Microdgree (20 ECTS) consists of four parts:
1. Public Sector Service Design and Implementation (6 ECTS)
2. Information Society Principles (6 ECTS)
3. Legal Framework of e-Governance (6 EAP)
4. Participation in the Winter School and presentation of the project (2 ECTS)
The materials consist of both practical and theoretical insights, based on successful cases and gained from the experiences of various experts in building a digital kingdom. Although a large part of the knowledge is built on the best practices, the most common standards and regulations of the European Union are also included in the study program. The program provides an overview of the practical experiences of different countries and discusses the lessons learned. Experts related to the development of the digital state explain how, why and when to use the latest technologies and methods in building a digital society, which resources must be included and which are the mandatory components for the functioning of the digital state. The program is the basis and inspiration for carrying out technological changes in the digital country and promoting e-governance and related aspects and fields.
The main learning outcomes upon completion of this study program are the following:
- Participant describes the concept of a digital government and understands possibilities of its design, use, implementation, and management.
- Participant can identify the main building blocks of a digital language.
- Participant understands the socio-technical processes that drive today's countries to improve their performance in the digital society.
- Participant understands the processes that make up digital transformation and how to bring it to the public sector.
- Participant understands what service orientation is and how to apply it in the public sector.
- Participant has knowledge of specific technologies, know-how, and other tools that enhance e-governance.
- Participant is able to apply various methodologies and concepts for marketing, designing and implementing public sector services and e-government initiatives along with change management and its key techniques.
- Participant can define and create different digital solutions and their marketing and implementation strategies.
- Participant knows the international practice of modern digital countries and can analyze it in order to apply the acquired knowledge in everyday work.
- Participant is able to initiate effective change in the digital state by combining political, legal, technological and social aspects.
- Participant can name, analyze and map organizational processes. Participant can adapt existing public sector services and their providers to the conditions dictated by the changes that digital transformation and technological innovations bring to this area.
- Participant is able to plan and manage organizational change while leveraging efficiency and positive results.
- Participant organizes and describes decision-making processes related to different values, organizational structures and market characteristics of the public sector.
Acquiring the competences of the Next Generation Digital Government Microdgree gives a certificate with a volume of 20 ECTS upon completion of the course.
The program includes:
- Independent online learning;
- 3 online sessions with lecturers and experts;
- 5-day intensive program Winter School in Tallinn, Estonia (5.-9. February 2024). Winter School includes practical study work with visits to various companies and state institutions.
To receive a certificate, participants must acquire e-learning materials, complete homework and present a project based on their specific digital solution.
Independent work online takes place in the Moodle environment, which has all the necessary information and learning materials for the participants, including the theoretical part in the form of learning materials and videos, as well as interactive tasks and other types of learning objects.
First session dates: 6.-8. September 2023
Second session dates: 4.-6. October 2023
Third session dates: 15.-17. November 2023
Winter School dates: 5.-9. February 2024
Participation fee for EU and non EU students 3204 € (including VAT 20%).
- Particpation fee in the Next Generation Digital Government Microdgree online program;
- Access to Moodle with all necessary course materials, videos, interactive tasks etc.
- 3 online sessions with lecturers and experts;
- Participation in the 5-day Winter School program, including:
- Accommodation in shared twin-room in Academic Hostel;
- Breakfast in the university canteen (max 5 euros/day);
- Lunch in the university canteen (max 10 euros/day);
- Tallinn unlimited public transportation card;
Fee does not include travel to and from Tallinn, Estonia.
To apply:
1. Register HERE;
2. Send one page motivation letter and CV to summerschools@taltech.ee
Application deadline is 07th of August 2023 at 10 AM.
15 scholaships are available to particpants from Georgia, Armenia, Moldova and Kenya.
Scholarship provides:
- Particpation fee in the Next Generation Digital Government Microdgree online program;
- Access to Moodle with all necessary course materials, videos, interactive tasks etc.
- 3 online sessions with lecturers and experts;
- Participation in the 5-day Winter School program, including:
- Travel to and from Tallinn, Estonia (max 450 euros);
- Accommodation in shared twin-room in Academic Hostel;
- Breakfast in the university canteen (max 5 euros/day);
- Lunch in the university canteen (max 10 euros/day);
- Tallinn unlimited public transportation card;
To apply for the scholarship:
1. Register HERE;
2. Send one page motivation letter and CV to summerschools@taltech.ee
Application deadline is 07th of August 2023 at 10 AM.
This project is supported by ESTDEV – Estonian Center for International Development Cooperation.
