Interoperability and Open Standards for eGovernment Services

Hugo Lueders, Director, ISC Europe

3/16/2008
(Original Publish Date: 1/17/2005)

This paper presents the key industry issues concerning interoperability and open standards with a view to developing sustainable solutions beneficial to all stakeholders. The focal point in the discussions amongst the different stakeholders - EU, Member State governments and industry - is the definition of open standards as the implications of this definition affect government services and business practices across Europe. Open Standards should refer to a technical interoperability framework which is agreed upon by companies and governmental decision-makers in order to ensure greater overall interoperability. This paper outlines how the balance between standardisation and intellectual property is struck by respecting the principles of transparency and non-discrimination. In this regard, the need to preserve consistency with EU policy and legal positions taken is of crucial importance, in particular as it relates to European and international intellectual property rights and public procurement law.