"This is the first time that this index has been officially published. A few years ago, according to the OECD pilot study, Lithuania was ranked 27th out of 33 countries, so today's jump reflects significant progress in the area of digital maturity and proves that data management and use is a strategic priority in Lithuania," said Aušrinė Armonaitė, Minister of the Economy and Innovation.
Lithuania's DGI index is 60.8%, compared to the OECD average of 60.5%. The countries with the highest DGI scores are South Korea, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Norway, Australia, Estonia, Colombia, Ireland, France and Canada. Neighbouring Latvia ranks 16th.
The DGI Index measures countries' access to open data for users through the use of technology and assesses the digital transformation of the public sector.
"The DGI Index shows where we still need to improve in the use of digital technology and data, and where progress has been made. Lithuania is well advanced in data-driven decision making in the public sector. Lithuania has also made many public services available online to EU citizens and businesses. This makes it easier and simpler to interact with public administrations online," said Erika Kuročkina, Deputy Minister of the Economy and Innovation.
The OECD report notes that data processing in Lithuania is organised in a consistent, high-quality and secure manner. Lithuania ranks in the top ten for this indicator, together with South Korea, Estonia, Ireland, Norway, France, Colombia, Peru, Australia and Sweden.
The report also encourages Lithuania to open up as much public sector data as possible, to use AI products responsibly and to establish clear ethical guidelines for their oversight, taking into account transparency, accountability and privacy.
The DGI Index measures countries' progress in six areas that reflect the maturity of digital government: digital by design, reliance on data, government as a platform, fundamental openness, user-centricity and proactivity.
The OECD report is available on the OECD website.