The results of Deloitte's third annual eCitizenship for All European benchmark survey, a joint initiative with EUROCITIES Knowledge Society Forum — TeleCities (EUROCITIES) were released at the third EU Ministerial eGovernment Conference in Manchester on November 25, 2005.

The survey addresses the contribution of European cities to the accomplishment of the vision set by Europe's heads of state in Lisbon in 2000: To make Europe the world's most competitive and dynamic economy by 2010. The survey findings show that Europe's local authorities, responsible for more than 80% of Europe's economic activity, can indeed make a big contribution to the realisation of the goals in these vital areas:

• eEurope focuses on restructuring governmental services and establishing the infrastructure to connect citizens and businesses.
• Employment is all about creating jobs, which are related to the knowledge economy.
• Education is to ensure that all citizens, from the young generation to the elderly, have the competence to participate fully in the Information Society.
• Good governance ensures transparency, accountability, efficiency and effectivity, especially when it comes to innovation and information communications technology (ICT). It helps safeguard the accomplishment of goals.

Europe's cities are implementing action to support the creation of new jobs, for example by attracting and encouraging new businesses and research institutes. Cities are also working with schools, colleges and universities to provide education for all age groups, and training opportunities, in order to equip people with the skills they need to succeed in today's rapidly changing knowledge-based economy. The "eCitizenship for All" 2005 benchmark survey was designed to investigate what cities are already doing, and what they will do in the future, that will positively contribute to the delivery of the Lisbon goals that have been agreed by the European Union.

The survey results confirm that Europe's cities are important centres in terms of social and economic development. As the main drivers of Europe's economy, it is therefore appropriate that cities should play a prominent role in the framework of the Lisbon Strategy. However, since the original Lisbon Declaration in March 2000, the EU and national governments have failed to fully recognise the contribution that cities in general, and local governments in particular, can make in terms of helping to achieve the Lisbon goals.

The European eCitizenship for All knowledge base created through the process of three annual benchmark studies represents a valuable and unique tool for European cities to benchmark themselves against each other and provide scope for bilateral learning and knowledge sharing in the context of the European Commission’s new and comprehensive ICT strategy. The benchmark is an invaluable tool for cities to deliver highly effective services and achieve a greater overall performance.

Learn more about Deloitte, EUROCITIES and this survey by reading our press release, the 36-page report, (available below as a PDF file attachment) or previous eCitizenship for All reports. For further information, please contact Deloitte's Peter Zimmermann of the global Public Sector group via email at: ecitizenshipforall@deloitte.com.