The Evolving Digital Transformation of Milli Majlis in Azerbaijan: A Strategic Perspective
About the Milli Majlis in Azerbaijan. Written on September, 2021
Introduction
The digitisation of parliamentary procedures represents a seismic shift in how democracy is enacted in the 21st century. A particularly interesting case to consider in this regard is the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan, which embarked on their digital transformation journey as far back as 2007. The journey presents an insightful view into the complexities, challenges, and future aspirations of such an ambitious project.
The Evolution of Digital Strategy
Initially, the Milli Majlis set its digital strategy into motion in 2007, marking the beginning of a significant technological overhaul. However, as with any long-term strategic undertaking, it became necessary to adapt and adjust the initial strategy due to the rapid evolution of digital technology. The narrative demonstrates the importance of remaining agile in the face of changing circumstances, given that, by 2012, the complexity and volume of information had overtaken the capacity of the IT department.
It was clear that a strategic change was needed to manage the ever-increasing flow of information. Yet the constraints on resources, especially time, made it difficult to overhaul the strategy effectively. Despite the ongoing challenges, the ability to pivot, innovate and persevere remains a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the team leading the digital transformation.
The Implementation and Use of Metadata
The application at the heart of the Milli Majlis digital transformation demonstrates the powerful role of data tagging and metadata in improving functionality. The system allows for a richly connected network of information, with different features relating to individual parliamentarians.
Unfortunately, the information infrastructure currently sits behind an intranet wall, making it inaccessible to the public. However, there are plans to change this, and in doing so, a significant step will be made towards greater transparency. The ultimate goal is to transition towards open data structures, such as Json, and make this valuable data accessible for social scrutiny, thereby promoting transparency and citizen engagement.
The Future Aspirations for Digital Transformation
Looking to the future, the Milli Majlis has articulated a vision to further develop and expand its digital system. The plan is to create a more inclusive system, one that is open to everyone and can facilitate direct engagement between the public and parliament.
The strategy seeks to evolve into an automatic system where citizens' opinions are not just collected but integrated into their data pool. The aspiration to include public opinion in the parliamentary process marks a significant democratic advance. It signals the move towards a more participative democracy, using digital tools to empower citizens and increase the accountability of decision-makers.
Conclusion
The digital transformation of the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan illustrates the multifaceted nature of such a change process. It demonstrates the necessity for adaptability in strategy, the importance of using metadata to enhance system functionality, and the future aspirations for increased openness and citizen engagement.
While the journey is not without its challenges, the Milli Majlis offers an important case study on digital transformation in a parliamentary context. Its experiences and lessons provide invaluable insights that may benefit other parliaments, experts and scholars studying such systems. The openness to cooperation and shared learning further cements Milli Majlis's commitment to continuous improvement and the pursuit of digital excellence.