32 www.qol-au.com D. DRLJAČA, B. LATINOVIĆ: E-GOVERNANCE IN REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA - CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS QUALITY OF LIFE 3(1-2):32-40 DOI: 10.7251/QOL1201032D UDC: 004.738.5:007(497.6RS) Review paper E-GOVERNANCE IN REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA - CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS DALIBOR DRLJAČA 1 , BRANKO LATINOVIĆ 2 1 University of East Sarajevo, Vuka Karadžića 30, 71123 Lukavica, Istočno Sarajevo, RS, BiH, drljacad@gmail.com 2 Pan-European University APEIRON Banja Luka, Pere Krece 13, 78000 Banja Luka, RS, BiH, branko.l@apeiron-uni.eu Abstract: In order to ensure quality of life of its citizens, the European Union member states are in the process of modernisation of their public services through utilization of information and communication technologies (ICT). In this process, each state is selecting own way to meet citizens’ demands for provision of more quality, efficient and flexible public services. One of the main interests of actual Government in the Republic of Srpska (RS) is to protect economic interests of its citizens, as well as to transform its services and functions in order to improve overall quality of life in RS. The implementation of e-Government and e-Governance is one of the main strategic commitments. In order to meet these EU trends, the Government of the Republic of Srpska made first steps in introducing new public services to facili- tate communication with its citizens. The Government of the Republic of Srpska recognized benefits of these trends and their impacts on the overall development of society and economy improvement of quality of life of its citizens. With the introduction of these modern services, the citizens in RS should skip lines and shorten the waiting time for response from Governmental bodies related to their requests that will give them more time for other activities. This paper gives brief analysis of challenges and prospects for implementation of e-Government and e-Governance initiatives, as one of the pillars for successful development of the Republic of Srpska as knowledge based economy and information society with benefits that improve citizens’ life. The paper also gives brief review of main strategic document, which gives governmental vision for implementation, as well as introduction of eSrpska- public administration portal. Key words: EUROPE2020, Digital Agenda, e-Government, e-Governance, knowledge-based economy, interoper- ability, public services, information society, eSrpska Introduction European Union member states are in the process of modernisation of their public services through utilization of information and communication technologies (ICT). In this process, each state is selecting its way to meet citizens’ demands for provision of more efficient and flexible public services. New knowledge based economy and information societies are some of the most important pillars of EUROPE2020 strategy. One of the main flagship initiatives of this strategy is Digital Agenda for Europe. This initiative provides strategic actions fostering ICT sector in Europe. Digital Agenda’s pillar “ICT for Social Challenges” gives main actions that European Commission and member states should implement in order to use ICTs capabil- ity for reduced energy consumption, support ageing citizens’ lives, revolutionises health services and de- liver better public services. In Digital Agenda for Europe Communication, paragraph 2.7.4 stresses the im- portance of e-Government services: “eGovernment services offer a cost-effective route to better service for every citizen and business and participatory open and transparent government. eGovernment services can reduce costs and save time for public administrations, citizens and businesses. They can also help mitigate the risks of climate change, natural and manmade hazards by including the sharing of environmental data and environment related information. Today, despite a high level of availability of eGovernment services in Europe, differences still exist amongst Member States and the take-up of eGovernment services by citizens is low. In 2009, only 38% of EU citizens used the internet for accessing eGovernment services, compared to