The Digital Transformation Journey in Suriname's National Assembly
About the De Nationale Assemblée of Suriname. Written on September, 2021
Introduction
Digital transformation is a necessary evolution that every organization and institution must undergo in order to adapt and thrive in today's fast-paced and technology-driven world. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the need for this transformation, pushing organizations to adapt quickly and efficiently to maintain their operations. This essay focuses on the experience of Suriname's National Assembly in implementing digital transformation, and the challenges they faced and are still facing in their journey toward a more technologically advanced and efficient parliament.
Adaptation and Implementation of New Technologies
The pandemic forced the National Assembly of Suriname to implement digital transformation much faster than they were initially prepared for. As a result, they faced several issues, particularly with the adaptation of new technologies and the implementation of new solutions. Some members of the National Assembly found it difficult to use new technology or adapt to the new solutions provided, requiring additional assistance and support.
The National Assembly recognized the importance of providing assistance and put measures in place to help members adapt to the digital transformation. This ensured that members could continue carrying out their duties even as the Assembly transitioned to remote operations.
Challenges in Legal Framework and Public Accessibility
Suriname's legal framework was not fully prepared to accommodate a digital transformation. The laws and regulations in the country did not permit members to vote remotely or virtually, requiring them to be present at a specific location. This presented a major challenge for the National Assembly during the pandemic.
Another responsibility of the National Assembly is to ensure public access to parliamentary information. With the digital transformation, the Assembly had to find new ways to make information easily accessible to the public. This involved transitioning from a physical library to an online platform that could be easily accessed and searched by citizens.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence and Big Data
To improve the accessibility of parliamentary information, the National Assembly is exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data. As information becomes more complex over time, it becomes increasingly difficult for humans to process it at the same speed as computers. AI can be used to streamline the search process, making it easier for users to find specific laws or regulations based on their search queries.
Infrastructure and Hardware Challenges
The National Assembly faced challenges with the hardware needed to support remote meetings, such as good quality microphones and cameras. While they have made progress in improving their microphone systems, camera quality remains an issue. This is something the Assembly is still working on to ensure that remote meetings can be conducted effectively.
Adaptation and Assistance for Members
The digital transformation journey has required a significant amount of adaptation for members of the National Assembly, who were used to physically attending meetings. A mix of new technologies and solutions had to be employed to make the transition easier for members, ensuring they could continue to fulfill their duties.
Conclusion
Suriname's National Assembly has faced many challenges during its digital transformation journey, ranging from the adaptation of new technologies to the legal framework and public accessibility. Despite these challenges, the Assembly has made significant progress and continues to work on improving their systems and processes. The future of the National Assembly is looking bright as they embrace the potential of technology to enhance efficiency, accessibility, and transparency in their operations.