Digital Transformation of the Rio Grande do Norte Legislative Assembly: An Analytical Review
About the Rio Grande do Norte Legislative Assembly | Brazil. Written on January, 2022
Introduction
The case study of the Assembleia Legislativa of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, provides an insightful illustration of a governmental institution's journey towards comprehensive digital transformation. Initiated in 2018, this transformation process has been marked by notable achievements in productivity, transparency, and cost-saving, leveraging homegrown technological solutions. This essay will critically analyse the steps taken during this transition, highlighting the key achievements and areas of development.
The Journey Towards Digital Transformation
The process of digital transformation at the Assembleia Legislativa of Rio Grande do Norte commenced when a group of internal technicians was assembled in 2018. This group comprised IT professionals from various departments, including the legislative area, and Legislative Counsel's office, demonstrating an integrated approach to digital transformation. The team's primary focus was to develop a bespoke system tailored to the needs of the assembly.
By 2019, the system was operational and had to adapt quickly to the demands of remote working due to the pandemic in 2020. Impressively, the system was already designed to function remotely, indicating a degree of foresight in its development. This facilitated the creation of a Remote Deliberation System (SDR in Portuguese), enabling secure marking of attendance, voting, and reading of the expedient remotely
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Achievements and Innovations
The digital transformation process has resulted in several significant achievements. For instance, the assembly reduced its legislative area costs by 63% and set records for proposals during the pandemic. This suggests that the shift to digital processes has improved efficiency and productivity.
The assembly also developed an electronic panel, facilitating remote access for all deputies. This innovation is modular, allowing for customised notifications, meeting scheduling, and tracking of pending processes. The system also provides administrative, office, and plenary modes, offering a comprehensive solution for all assembly operations.
The development of a remote release system, an Android-based application, was another significant achievement. The assembly provided each of the 24 deputies with a tablet equipped with this system, further facilitating remote operations. This demonstrates the assembly's dedication to leveraging technology to promote efficiency and accessibility.
Ongoing Developments
Despite these achievements, the case study suggests that the transformation process is not yet complete. The assembly is in the final stages of implementing a Legislative Transparency Portal, suggesting a commitment to enhancing public participation in legislative processes.
Moreover, the assembly has integrated the state's budget into its system, enabling deputies to make amendments. The assembly has also developed a video module, allowing for the viewing and sharing of public hearings on social media. This indicates a commitment to promoting transparency and public engagement.
Conclusion
The digital transformation of the Assembleia Legislativa of Rio Grande do Norte exemplifies how a government institution can leverage technology to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and promote transparency. The assembly's approach, focusing on in-house solutions and integrating all areas of operation, has proved successful.
However, the case study also highlights that digital transformation is an ongoing process, with the assembly continuing to develop its system. The planned implementation of the Legislative Transparency Portal and further integration of public engagement tools suggests a commitment to continually enhancing the system's capabilities. The assembly's journey serves as an inspiring case study for other governmental institutions contemplating similar digital transformations.