Infrastructure Public Administration in Portugal Digital
The digital transformation of the “machine” of Public Administration (PA) is one of the main challenges of this decade, in the framework of the unique opportunities provided by the galloping evolution of the “digital” all over the world, boosted, in our case, by the bazooka of the PRR and by the remaining European funding still flowing to Portugal.
Interestingly, or rather sadly, I have not yet glimpsed the clear, coherent and consistent basis for a vision of what a Digital AP is intended to be in 2030! Nor did I have access to any document that established an action strategy, broken down into vertical, horizontal and sectorial actions, with clear and quantifiable objectives, which, to be implemented in an articulated manner, would produce the desired transformations, improving the provision of PA services to the Citizens and companies, with more effectiveness, efficiency and quality than today.
AP’s digital transformation involves people, technologies, work processes, competence and leadership. When starting an electoral campaign and a new government cycle, it would not be too much to REQUIRE candidates and parties to spell out their strategy and concrete objectives for the digital transformation of the PA and for the competent and effective use of the many funds that are available for the effect.
In terms of technology, the infrastructure of “digital” AP requires a systemic approach very different from the current one, focusing on the potential of the scale effect resulting from the aggregation of needs in terms of equipment, networks, cloud storage, data centers , specialized human resources and common services. And on the other hand, preserve the capacity to respond in a timely and competent way to the specific and local needs of the PA bodies and services.
For this, a new architecture of governance and operation of AP Technologies and Information Systems must be operationalized, capitalizing on the learning already acquired in the present – and much has already been done well – and enabling the systemic command and control that take advantage of making whole, without crushing like parts.
It is possible for us Portuguese to do this! A demonstration made recently by the vaccination team led by Vice Admiral Gouveia e Melo.
What we have to do is really want to! Here is the message for the future prime minister.
* Distinguished Full Professor at IST and founder and emeritus researcher at INESC