IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON THE DIGITALISATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES: LESSONS FROM SLOVENIAN ADMINISTRATIVE UNITS
In: Teorija in praksa, S. 652-669
Abstract. The Covid-19 pandemic has transformed our
society, with administrative procedures – as relationships between public authorities and citizens and businesses – being no exception. Still, the innovative digitalisation of such procedures means the 58 administrative
units across Slovenia have been able to develop a responsive administrative system. Using normative, descriptive
and statistical research methods, the article identifies the
relevant drivers and barriers, like user demands leading to a more responsive service, the lack of legal bases,
and the top-down approach discouraging progress.
Correlation analysis shows that digitalisation also holds
important positive implications for the principles of good
governance. Moreover, larger administrative units are
more likely to achieve a higher degree of digitalisation
and hence better public governance. The findings are
useful for designing evidence-based public policies to
properly respond to pandemic-associated challenges.
Keywords: public administration, administrative procedures, Covid-19, good public governance, innovation,
digitalisation, Slovenia