Book(electronic)2008

Small states, smart solutions: improving connectivity and increasing the effectiveness of public services

Favaro, Edgardo M.

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Abstract

The case studies focus on specific attempts made by a number of small states to overcome the handicaps of their size and isolation and take advantage of growing opportunities for integration with their neighbors and with the rest of the world. Two policy issues have been of prime importance in that effort: how to reduce the costs and increase the effectiveness of public goods and services, and how to improve, and reduce the costs of, connectivity with the rest of the world. This study takes a different tack. It focuses on two policy areas: (a) the use of outsourcing of government functions as a means of reducing the costs and improving the quality of some public goods and services; and (b) policies, institutions, and regulations designed to harness the power of information and telecommunications technology (ICT) to reduce the costs and improve the quality of connectivity with the rest of the world.

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Book(electronic)#12008

Small States, Smart Solutions: Improving Connectivity and Increasing the Effectiveness of Public Services

Favaro, Edgardo M.

Small states face special hurdles in achieving development gains. These states spend significantly more of their GDP on producing public goods and services, and they face higher connectivity costs than do their larger brethren. Small States, Smart Solutions examines how some small states use international trade and telecommunications technology to outsource services such as justice, banking supervision, public utilities regulation, high-quality medicine, and education. Sourcing these services internationally poses unique challenges but also opens broad opportunities. The eight case studies in this book, based on interviews with government officers and citizens, describe pioneering initiatives undertaken by some small states to better the quality of life of their citizens.