In recent years, Monaco has been striving to transition into a more digitally-driven nation, launching initiatives under the “Extended Monaco” program…

Elected officials are pushing the government to accelerate the country’s digital transformation, particularly focusing on the urgent need for more streamlined administrative procedures for businesses and citizens.

During a public session held recently, National Council members expressed frustration with the slow pace of progress, calling for a faster and more efficient rollout of digital services. Several officials highlighted that the gap between expectations and the current reality has grown since the ambitious announcement of a digital transition in 2019. Franck Julien, a prominent voice in the debate, criticized the government for not yet providing a comprehensive online system for businesses, while his colleague, Nicolas Croesi, urged for more budgetary allocation to support these efforts.

Monaco has already invested over €300 million in the digital transition over the past six years. Despite this, the digitalization of key government services remains incomplete, with around 120 digital services currently available out of a target of 180. Officials underscored that Monaco cannot afford to lag behind in the digital era if it is to maintain its attractiveness to businesses and residents alike.

The digital transition, led by Frédéric Genta, the interministerial delegate for the Digital Transition (DTIN), has made significant strides, but Genta himself acknowledged that there is still much work to be done. He explained that the foundational infrastructure has been established, with advancements in digital identity, fiber networks, and 5G deployment, but acknowledged the frustration of the public and government officials due to the slower-than-expected progress.

In response to concerns, Genta pointed out that Monaco’s digital ecosystem has been growing, with many Monegasque companies participating in developing new digital services. The country is moving toward a more digitally connected society, but further efforts are needed to reach the desired level of service.

The importance of accelerating digital reforms

The stakes for Monaco’s digital transition are high, as a faster rollout of digital services could enhance business operations, improve daily life for residents, and contribute to a more sustainable economy. Monaco’s government has been under pressure to ensure that the country remains competitive in an increasingly digital world, with sectors like healthcare, traffic management, and urban planning all poised to benefit from digital reforms.

One of the key goals of the digital transition is to develop a fully integrated online platform where citizens and businesses can manage various administrative tasks. This includes accessing services related to housing, education, health, and business management. Currently, many procedures still require in-person interactions, causing delays and inefficiencies.

Additionally, plans are in place to roll out a “one-stop-shop” service where residents can access all Monegasque administration services and track their progress online. This system would also incorporate a “Tell Us Once” service, allowing users to report key life events such as marriages, births, or changes of address just once, which would then be automatically updated across government departments.

Despite this vision, officials lamented that delays have meant that Monaco has not yet reaped the full benefits of digitalization. This sentiment was echoed by Didier Guillaume, Monaco’s Minister of State, who concluded the recent public session by acknowledging that progress must be sped up. He emphasized the importance of the digital transition for Monaco’s future and set a goal for tangible results to be achieved by 2025.

A vision for a smart and connected Monaco

Monaco’s ambition is to become the “Singapore of Europe,” establishing itself as a leader in digital innovation. The government has already built key digital infrastructures, including a sovereign cloud, widespread 5G access, and fiber optic networks, which will serve as the foundation for future developments.

One of the standout areas of digital transformation is in healthcare. Monaco is working on creating a shared medical record platform that will enable seamless interactions between patients, healthcare professionals, and insurance providers. This is expected to streamline processes and improve healthcare delivery. Teleconsultation services and secure health messaging are also being introduced as part of this initiative.

Urban planning is another area where digital technology will play a crucial role. The government is utilizing a “digital twin” system, which allows planners to simulate and analyze the effects of urban developments before they are implemented. This technology will help ensure that decisions on new buildings, roads, and public spaces are made with a full understanding of their potential impacts on traffic, noise, and the environment.

Training and the blue fund

To ensure that the digital transition benefits all sectors, the government has focused on two key pillars: training and financial support through the blue fund. The goal is to equip Monaco’s workforce with the necessary skills to thrive in a digital world. With rapid technological changes, continuous learning and adaptation are essential. Over 2,000 employees have been trained in digital technologies since the inception of the Extended Monaco platform.

The blue fund, with an allocation of €20 million, is designed to help businesses embrace digital transformation. So far, more than 300 companies have benefited from this fund, which has already led to the creation of 250 new jobs and boosted local projects. The fund has had a positive impact on the economy, with 85% of the projects being awarded to Monegasque digital companies.

As Monaco’s digital transition progresses, there is a clear consensus that more needs to be done to bring the country in line with global digital leaders. With continued investment, government oversight, and collaboration with Monegasque businesses, the Principality is on track to make significant strides in the coming years. However, the pressure is on to accelerate the pace and deliver the promised results by 2025, ensuring that Monaco remains competitive and future-proof in an increasingly digital world.