Estonia has long been a global leader in digital governance, with its forward-thinking approach to technology and innovation. H.E. Liisa-Ly Pakosta, Estonia’s Minister for Entrepreneurship and Information Technology, recently shared her insights on the potential for digital collaboration between Estonia and Saudi Arabia, particularly in the context of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 digital transformation.
Minister Pakosta highlighted the critical role of trust between the government and private companies in Estonia’s digital success. She emphasized that while governments may not typically drive innovation, Estonia’s model has been built on strong cooperation with the private sector. The Estonian government has created a secure and scalable framework, such as the X Road system, which has been adopted by several countries, including Ukraine. This robust digital infrastructure has proven resilient, even in the face of cyber-attacks, and Minister Pakosta believes it can be an excellent model for Saudi Arabia as it pursues its ambitious digital transformation. By combining secure infrastructure with innovative solutions from both Estonian and Saudi companies, she sees the potential for the Kingdom to leapfrog in digital services and governance.
During her visit to Saudi Arabia, Minister Pakosta outlined the primary objectives of her meetings with local stakeholders. She is focused on deepening cooperation between the two countries, not just at the government level but also between businesses and industries. With mutual investments being a key focus, the minister expressed her desire for greater involvement of Estonian companies in the Saudi market. Through initiatives like the Estonian-Saudi Business Council, which was co-chaired by both nations in 2024, there is a shared vision of fostering cross-border collaborations in areas ranging from agriculture and chemical security to IT and cybersecurity. Minister Pakostabelieves that this bilateral cooperation will bring tangible benefits for the citizens of both countries.
One of the most exciting areas of collaboration is the implementation of post-quantum-ready Mobile Identity solutions. Estonia’s leadership in digital identity solutions, particularly in the context of post-quantum security, stands as a cornerstone of its digital services. Minister Pakosta explained that as digital societies evolve, having a highly secure and trustworthy digital identity becomes essential for both individuals and businesses. Estonia has already upscaled its digital identity solutions to countries like Azerbaijan, and is now exploring similar partnerships with Saudi Arabia. This collaboration aims to ensure that Saudi Arabia builds an extremely secure and scalable digital identity system, laying the groundwork for safer, more efficient e-government services.
Additionally, Estonia’s pioneering e-residency program has been a game-changer for businesses and entrepreneurs. Minister Pakosta shared how Estonia’s e-residency program has enabled individuals around the world to establish businesses in Estonia and access digital services throughout Europe, a unique offering within the European Union. This model, she believes, could be of great benefit to Saudi Arabia as it seeks to attract international investments and foster entrepreneurship. By leveraging Estonia’s experience, Saudi Arabia could enhance its own digital landscape and further its vision of becoming a hub for innovation and business in the region.
Looking ahead, Minister Pakosta sees a clear path for Estonia’s digital identity expertise to assist Saudi Arabia in further developing its own systems. While Saudi Arabia has already made significant strides in this area, there remains an opportunity to push the boundaries of digital identity security and integration. Estonia’s experience in creating personalized, proactive digital services could help Saudi Arabia offer even more seamless interactions between government and citizens. This vision of a “post-digital era” emphasizes a future where digital identity and secure networks empower citizens to engage effortlessly with both the state and businesses, enhancing the quality of life for all.
In conclusion, Estonia’s digital governance model offers valuable lessons and opportunities for Saudi Arabia as it works to fulfill its Vision 2030 goals. Through mutual trust, collaboration, and shared innovation, the two countries can work together to create a more secure, efficient, and inclusive digital future
