Digital innovation and shelter theory: exploring Estonia's e-Residency, Data Embassy, and cross-border e-governance initiatives

This article utilizes shelter theory as a framework to understand some of Estonia's contemporary digital innovations. Specifically, this article focuses on three contemporary developments: the e-Residency program; the Data Embassy; and the development of cross-border e-governance. These initiatives are analyzed in the context of the key criteria of shelter theory: political, economic, and societal shelter. The article concludes that while traditionally Estonia has relied heavily upon the European Union and NATO for political shelter within the international system, these digital innovations might be conceptualized as supplementary forms of shelter for Estonia with varying degrees of effectiveness.

Automated summary

This article utilizes shelter theory to analyze Estonia's contemporary digital innovations. By studying three developments - e-Residency program, Data Embassy, and cross-border e-governance, the article concludes that these innovations can be conceptualized as supplementary forms of shelter for Estonia, with varying degrees of effectiveness.