Digital Transformation in Governance: An In-Depth Analysis of the Chamber of Deputies of Chile
About the Cámara de Diputadas y Diputados of Chile. Written on March, 2021
Introduction
The Chamber of Deputies of Chile, like many other parliamentary bodies worldwide, has been significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The traditional ways of parliamentary processes - physical meetings, in-person deliberations, and paper-based documentation - were suddenly challenged. The pandemic's onset brought about an immediate need for innovation and adaptation of parliamentary processes for the digital age. The Chamber of Deputies of Chile rose to this challenge and set a precedent for other parliamentary bodies. They developed and implemented a variety of digital tools and systems to facilitate parliamentary work under the new conditions. This digital transformation has not only allowed continued operation in the pandemic but also introduced efficiencies and environmental benefits that will have lasting value
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The Implementation of the Virtual Office
One of the most significant innovations in response to the pandemic was the implementation of the "Virtual Office." This advanced system was designed to streamline the process of submitting, approving, and integrating legislative proposals into the parliamentary workflow. Prior to its implementation, proposals were typically submitted in physical form, often requiring a manual approval process and the physical presence of deputies for approval.
The Virtual Office revolutionised this process. It provides a platform for deputies to submit their legislative communications digitally, which are then formatted automatically to reduce errors. It also integrates the proposals into the broader parliamentary system, including the chamber's website and voting minutes. This digitization not only helps maintain the legislative workflow but also drastically reduces formatting errors.
The Virtual Office also addresses the need for adherence from multiple parliamentarians for some documents. In the past, a proposal or a bill required physical signatures from multiple parliamentarians, which was logistically challenging and time-consuming. The Virtual Office emulates this process digitally, enabling deputies to invite others to adhere to a bill or initiative digitally. Once the document is ready, it is sent to the parliamentary office for further processing.
The Adaptation of Sessions and Voting Systems
The pandemic also necessitated the adaptation of physical sessions and voting systems. The Chamber developed various digital platforms to facilitate remote debates, committee sessions, and real-time voting. The infrastructure had to be resilient, robust, and secure, given the critical nature of these processes.
These adaptations required significant changes, including the installation of large LED panels in the rooms for viewing remote participants, creation of desk dividers, and development of support applications. The Chamber also planned for contingencies, such as system failures, by enabling a backup system for real-time vote recording. This flexibility ensured that the parliamentary work could continue seamlessly, regardless of the conditions.
The Role of Inter-Parliamentary Collaboration
Inter-parliamentary collaboration has played a crucial role in accelerating the digital transformation of the Chamber of Deputies of Chile. Sharing experiences, challenges, and solutions with other parliaments has allowed them to learn from each other and improve their respective systems. Common issues, such as remote working challenges, developing digital systems for sessions and voting, and ensuring computer security, have been addressed collectively. This collaboration has not only resulted in improved systems but also fostered a shared understanding of the challenges and potential solutions in these unprecedented times.
Future Challenges and Opportunities
Looking ahead, the Chamber of Deputies of Chile faces two significant challenges: the complete integration of the systems and strengthening of the organisation to respond to environmental uncertainty. While the focus initially was on updating specific processes or automating specific tasks, the future vision is to integrate all these systems to leverage synergies.
The Chamber is also aiming to strengthen its organisation, making it more robust and capable of responding to environmental uncertainty. This requires high-quality work, documentation, and a forward-thinking approach. The Chamber is striving to be not just an efficient parliament but also a resilient one, capable of weathering future uncertainties. A resilient parliament, after all, is one that can meet the needs of its constituents no matter what circumstances arise.
This pursuit of resilience is a multi-faceted endeavour. It includes further technological advancements, a commitment to digital literacy and training for all members and staff, and the development of robust contingency plans to prepare for potential crises. Moreover, it involves not only the development of new systems but also the reimagining of parliamentary work in a digital context. This means considering how technology can not only replicate existing processes but also create new opportunities for democratic participation and engagement.
While the Chamber has made significant progress in digitising its operations, it recognizes that digital transformation is not a destination but a journey. There will always be new technologies to consider, new challenges to address, and new opportunities to seize. Moreover, the digital transformation journey is not just about technology. It's also about people - ensuring that everyone in the organisation, from deputies to staff, is equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in a digital world.
It is also worth noting that while technology has made many aspects of parliamentary work more efficient, it is not a panacea. The Chamber is mindful of the need to balance the benefits of digital transformation with potential challenges, such as ensuring digital equity, preserving the integrity of parliamentary processes, and maintaining the human element that is so vital to democratic discourse.
Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic has undeniably propelled the Chamber of Deputies of Chile into a new era of digital transformation. This transformation has brought about significant improvements in the efficiency and adaptability of parliamentary processes. However, it is not without its challenges. As the Chamber continues its digital journey, it will need to constantly learn, adapt, and innovate. It will need to draw on the lessons learned not only from its own experiences but also from the experiences of other parliaments. And above all, it will need to keep sight of its ultimate goal: to serve the people of Chile in the most effective, inclusive, and responsive way possible.
The digitization of the Chamber of Deputies of Chile offers a blueprint for other parliaments looking to navigate their own digital transformations. It serves as a reminder that with a forward-thinking mindset, a commitment to innovation, and a focus on serving the needs of the people, parliaments can not only survive in the digital age but truly thrive.