Tackling identity management, service delivery, and social security challenges: technology trends and partnership models

Today, 1.1 billion people have no formal identity. A full 50% of the world population does not have access to social security. At the same time, the number of 60+ year-olds will double to 2 billion by 2050, and the high levels of youth unemployment will limit the funds available for public services. Technology-driven efficiency and effectiveness in service production and delivery is part of the solution to these challenges and the Sustainable Development Goals. Secure and reliable identity management is a key enabler in the digital transformation of public service delivery, but many countries still battle. This paper highlights a number of technology trends in electronic identity management and partnership models for efficient and effective service delivery. The paper finds that digital identity and signature can provide cost-efficient, easy, secure, and personal service access. While there are strengths and weaknesses to all technical solution, technology is secondary when compared to the completeness, reliability, and quality of data. The cooperation between authorities facilitates efficient and effective identity management, and partnerships with the banking and telecom sectors for development, maintenance, and rollout can be especially beneficial.