Embracing the Future: The Comprehensive Digital Evolution of the Hellenic Parliament
About the Hellenic Parliament. Written on September, 2022
Introduction
The comprehensive examination undertaken here concerns the intriguing journey of digital transformation within the Hellenic Parliament. The shift from traditional, often archaic, systems to a digitised, efficient mode of operation has proven to be a necessity in the face of the global paradigm shift that has come with the COVID-19 pandemic.
In this exploration, we take a magnifying glass to the processes and strategies employed by the Hellenic Parliament to stay current in these fast-changing times. While the Hellenic Parliament is the focus of this study, it is worth noting that the evolution they have undergone is reflective of a broader global trend. As such, their story offers valuable insights that could be useful to other institutions and organisations in different sectors and geographical locations.
The Existing Landscape and the Imperative for Change
Digital transformation within the Hellenic Parliament, similar to other parliaments worldwide, has been driven by a necessity born out of the ongoing pandemic. The process has not been one of reinvention but rather a response to a universally shared problem that all such legislative bodies have had to tackle. The developments we've seen in technology over the past few years have certainly been an enabler in this transformation.
At the core of this digital evolution is a shared approach and philosophy. While the specifics may vary, the general trend leans towards leveraging technology to streamline operations and increase accessibility and transparency. In the context of the Hellenic Parliament, this transformation journey can be dissected into three interconnected levels: the incremental, the reactive, and the strategic.
Tri-Dimensional Analysis of Digital Transformation
The Incremental Approach
The first dimension is the incremental approach to digital transformation, which initiated well before the pandemic made its presence felt. This was an era where technology was steadily permeating the Parliament's operational structure, leading to an organic evolution of its existing systems.
Key to this evolution was the updating of the Parliament's web portal, which served as a crucial instrument in fostering public relations. Not only was this portal a reflection of the Parliament's embracement of technology, it also acted as a gateway, connecting various underlying systems such as databases and document management systems. This development set the stage for a more integrated and user-friendly digital environment.
International cooperation played a significant role in this stage of the transformation. The Hellenic Parliament collaborated with other parliaments such as the Austrian Parliament and the European Parliament to exchange knowledge and insights, thereby mutually enhancing their digital competencies.
Adapting to the Pandemic
The second dimension of analysis centres on the Hellenic Parliament’s reaction to the sudden onset of the pandemic. This crisis required swift and effective measures to be implemented to prevent disruption of parliamentary processes.
Key to these measures was the wider adoption of digital signatures. A tool already in existence, its usage was scaled up to accommodate the restrictions imposed by the pandemic. Additionally, VPN access was provided to everyone, facilitating secure and efficient remote working. Teleconferencing facilities were expanded to accommodate the sudden shift to virtual meetings and discussions. Furthermore, the Hellenic Parliament put into place an electronic system for the submission of parliamentary control, thereby digitising a previously manual process. These changes, driven by necessity, marked a significant shift in the Parliament's operation and laid the groundwork for a more digitally inclined future.
Strategic Planning and Research
The third dimension focuses on the strategic and research-oriented approach undertaken by the Hellenic Parliament. This stage highlighted the importance of foresight and planning in the journey of digital transformation. The Parliament recognised the need to go beyond reactive measures and take proactive steps to ensure its digital evolution.
To this end, a robust research service was set up. This team conducted extensive research on the potential digital tools and technologies that could be leveraged in the future. This forward-thinking approach allowed the Parliament to develop a clear strategic plan for future digital initiatives, placing it in a position of readiness for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Conclusion
The journey of the Hellenic Parliament's digital transformation serves as a remarkable case study for other institutions facing similar challenges. It illustrates that the path to digitalisation, though fraught with challenges, is achievable and necessary in our increasingly digital world. More importantly, it shows us that in an era marked by rapid changes and unprecedented challenges, the capacity to adapt, innovate and plan ahead is crucial for survival and success. The Hellenic Parliament’s journey towards a digital future, therefore, serves as a beacon, lighting the way for other institutions striving to adapt in these extraordinary times.