HverVision
HverVision is an initiative launched by the Government of Hverland, aimed at transforming the nation into a more digital society less reliant on paper and analog. First proposed in 2022 by the Visionary Party, the plan has received wide backing from coalition partners the Centre Party and the Conservative Nationals, as well as gaining the support of The Greens and the Alternative. HverVision is overseen by the Digitalization Agency of the Office for Infrastructure and Industry.
Overview
HverVision is a detailed strategy to digitize all sectors of Hverlandic society. It involves the digitization of all existing government paper records, including medical files, scientific documents, and historical archives. The goal is to improve accessibility and enhance data preservation. The initiative also includes the creation of a digital public services portal, a digital mailbox for every citizen, and the promotion of digital literacy and infrastructure.
The types of paper records included in this project are:
- All health- and dental-related documents such as patient histories, immunization records, lab reports, radiology images, prescriptions, and hospital admission records.
- Academic records including student enrollment data, transcripts, report cards, and diplomas.
- Government archives like census data, land registries, birth, death, and marriage certificates, as well as records of local, regional, and national governmental actions, decisions, and election results.
- Court records, wills, contracts, patent applications, and other legal documents.
- Research data, survey results, and other scientific records stored in national libraries, universities, and research institutions.
- Public financial documents such as tax filings, audit reports, budget data, and expenditure records.
- Records of cultural and historical significance including manuscripts, newspapers, photos, maps, audio recordings, and films stored in museums, libraries, and other cultural institutions.
- Local government records including planning and zoning documents, meeting minutes, local ordinances, and municipal financial records.
- Records related to environmental studies, climate data, biodiversity surveys, geological maps, and other ecological data.
All records are being digitized using high-quality scanners and optical character recognition (OCR) software to convert the scanned images into searchable text. The digital records are stored in secure, cloud-based servers with multiple backups to ensure data integrity and availability. Rich metadata is being added to each record to facilitate search and retrieval via the digital public services portal.
Digital public services portal
The digital public services portal, one of the major components of the HverVision initiative, came online in its initial version in June 2023. Envisioned as a one-stop solution for accessing government services, the portal represents a substantial leap towards complete digitization of Hverlandic society.
At the heart of the portal's design is the single sign-on feature, allowing Hverlandic citizens to access a myriad of government services with just one account. This feature simplifies the process of accessing government services and eliminates the need for citizens to remember multiple usernames and passwords.
The portal consolidates all necessary information about public services at one digital location. It includes details about public utilities, health services, transportation, taxation, social security, education, and other critical sectors. Information about new policy initiatives, legislative changes, and public consultations are also readily available. Moreover, the government plans to expand the range of information available on the portal in the future, making it even more comprehensive.
One of the unique aspects of the portal is its blend of AI and human support. The AI chatbot, named "HverHelper," is available 24/7 to answer queries, guide users through different services, and even process certain requests. For more complex queries or situations that require a personal touch, real human operators are available to provide assistance.
In an effort to streamline public communications, the portal also replaces the nation's Single Non-Emergency Numbers (SNENs). Instead of dialing different numbers for different non-emergency services, citizens can now simply log on to the portal and access the required service. In addition to making the process more efficient, this system allows the authorities to maintain a more organized record of service requests.
Digital mailbox
In an effort to further streamline communication and documentation, HverVision introduces the concept of a digital mailbox for every citizen. This virtual mailbox serves as a personal repository for all official correspondence, notifications, and documents. It facilitates seamless communication with government agencies and simplifies the management of personal records.
Digitization of society
HverVision goes beyond administrative procedures and document management. It envisions a future where digital technology pervades every aspect of daily life in Hverland. This includes initiatives to promote digital literacy, the integration of digital solutions in education, health care, and public transport, as well as efforts to enhance the country's digital infrastructure.
Reception and impact
The Visionary Party's initiative, HverVision, is an ambitious but practical project that has resonated with many constituents in Hverland. Its potential for improving efficiency, accessibility, and sustainability across multiple sectors has earned it broad-based support. As the plan moves forward, Hverland is poised to become one of the world's leading digital societies, paving the way for similar initiatives in other countries.