The "e-sosial" portal is Azerbaijan's first official Unified Social Register, created and managed by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population. This user-friendly online platform enables citizens to access comprehensive information about their social protection entitlements and benefits, allowing for continuous monitoring of their labor, employment, and social protection rights. It comprises all services of the Ministry in real-time and proactively renders services to users.
Innovation Summary
Innovation Overview
The "e-sosial" portal is Azerbaijan's first official Unified Social Register, which consolidates and manages social data and services provided by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population. The online platform aims to simplify and streamline the process of accessing social services for Azerbaijani citizens and non-residents by applying new technologies based on the "one-stop shop" principle, ensuring efficient and streamlined services.
The "e-sosial" portal is advantageous as it is backed by the Ministry's Centralized Electronic Information System that can collect necessary information via the integration with over 80 institutions. With 19 electronic subsystems and 4 registers, this comprehensive system streamlines the process of gathering and verifying information, reducing bureaucracy and wait times for citizens and non-residents.
The portal serves as a centralized platform for citizens to apply for various social services. These include:
• Employment Contracts;
• Pensions;
• Targeted State Social Assistance;
• Disability Support;
• Social Insurance;
• Rehabilitation Programs;
• Vehicle Queue Management;
• Housing Queue Management;
• Financial Assistance Programs;
• Allowances & Scholarships;
• Lump Sum Payment;
• Adoption Services, etc.
Users can access their social status information, track their applications, receive updates on their requests, and apply to the Ministry online by creating an account on the platform. They can also obtain 30 types of electronic references.
This streamlined approach helps to simplify the process of applying for social assistance programs and services, improving overall efficiency and accessibility for citizens and non-residents.
Innovation Description
What Makes Your Project Innovative?
The Regulation on the "e-sosial" internet portal was approved to implement the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated September 5, 2018, which aimed to expand the use of electronic services in labor, employment, social protection, and social security fields. The implementation of this portal and the associated regulation are part of the government's ongoing efforts to modernize and streamline public services by utilizing electronic platforms.
The "e-sosial" portal offers citizens access to social information collected about them and provides over 150 types of social services in exchange for rights, allowing citizens to benefit from them in a flexible manner. This represents a significant improvement over the previous system, which often required citizens and non-residents to navigate multiple bureaucracies to access different social services.
What is the current status of your innovation?
The “e-sosial” platform has been fully operational since its launch in 2018 and has received positive feedback from users. The government has continued to promote the portal and encourage its use among citizens and non-residents to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of social services in the country.
As of 2023, the number of active users registered on the portal has steadily grown and has reached 1 million 300 thousand.
The fact that the “e-sosial” portal is also available as a mobile application on both Android and iOS operating systems has made it easily accessible to users, contributing to its popularity.
Innovation Development
Collaborations & Partnerships
The “e-sosial” platform is maintained by the DOST Digital Innovations Center, functioning near the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population.
Access to the platform requires authorization, which is operated by the Innovation and Digital Development Agency under the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport.
The services available on the platform are the result of multiple integrations with over 80 institutions through the Centralized Electronic Information System.
Users, Stakeholders & Beneficiaries
The primary users and beneficiaries of the "e-sosial" platform are the citizens of Azerbaijan and non-residents who use any service provided by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population.
The stakeholders in the platform include the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population, the DOST Digital Innovations Center, the Innovation and Digital Development Agency, and the various government institutions and organizations.
Innovation Reflections
Results, Outcomes & Impacts
Result:
• The platform provides citizens and non-residents with easy access to social information and over 150 types of social services through a centralized and user-friendly interface.
Outcomes & Impact:
• The implementation of the platform has helped modernize and streamline public services in Azerbaijan, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of social service delivery.
• The platform has reduced the administrative burden on citizens and non-residents by eliminating the need to navigate multiple bureaucracies to access different social services.
In addition, as per Alexa.com's evaluation, the “e-sosial” portal, along with popular sites such as "google.com," "youtube.com," and "wikipedia.org," is among the top five most visited websites in Azerbaijan. This is a testament to the portal's popularity and significance as a valuable resource for citizens and non-residents seeking social services and support.
Challenges and Failures
As with any digital platform, there is a risk of cyberattacks, data breaches, or other security threats that could compromise user data or system functionality. The Center maintains strong cybersecurity measures and protocols to mitigate these risks.
There may be technical issues or glitches with the platform that impact functionality or user experience. Ongoing monitoring and maintenance is done by the Center to address these issues and ensure the platform operates effectively.
Conditions for Success
Firstly, the government's commitment to digitizing public services has been a significant contributing factor. This commitment has helped to ensure that the necessary resources and support are available to develop and maintain the portal effectively.
Another important factor is the user-friendly interface of the portal, which has been designed with the user experience in mind. The layout and design of the portal are intuitive, making it easy for citizens and non-residents to navigate and access the services they need. Regular updates are made to improve the functionality and usability of the portal based on user feedback.
Finally, the system is regularly updated and upgraded to meet citizens' changing needs and expectations. This approach ensures that the “e-sosial” portal remains relevant and effective in the long term.
Replication
Replicating the “e-sosial” portal in other countries requires careful consideration of the unique contexts and needs of each country.
Lessons Learned
Before the implementation of the Unified Social Register in Azerbaijan, which aimed to streamline the administration of social security programs, there were several coordination challenges within system.
• Fragmented Information Systems;
• Coordination Difficulties.
The implementation of the Unified Social Register and other government measures has helped to tackle these challenges and improve the delivery of social security services in Azerbaijan.
Supporting Videos
Status:
- Implementation - making the innovation happen
- Diffusing Lessons - using what was learnt to inform other projects and understanding how the innovation can be applied in other ways
Date Published:
22 June 2023