Beyond Tech: Insights from the International Legislative Modernization Working Group

Modernization is broadly understood as the process through which parliaments become more effective, efficient, and transparent for legislators and citizens. Given that legislative bodies are complex institutions that involve multiple processes coordinated by different actors, how exactly does modernization happen? What should be parliamentarians’ focus when trying to reshape their institutions?

Participants in the first meeting of POPVOX Foundation’s International Legislative Modernization Working Group provided a range of answers to this question. Their insights helped us map areas of focus for modernization:

The chart makes one thing clear: modernization goes beyond applying technological advancements to the legislative process. Rather, it also involves modernizing other components of what makes a legislative body work, such as rethinking committee work, staff training, and retention efforts.

Before thinking about technology, parliamentarians should first consider the “purpose” question: are legislative processes and institutions performing as they should, especially in the context of the 21st century? Take, for instance, public hearings in committees. When access to information is widespread through social media, what should their role be in current times? What roles are they actually performing? And how can technology help bridge the gap between what should be and the status quo?

Technology will not always be the solution. When it comes to civil service, for example, modernization might involve reforming hiring systems or instituting staff training programs. That is why it is important to start with the “purpose” question. The answer to this question should guide parliamentarians about next steps, which includes decisions related to the modernization format (isolated or institutionalized actions) and required resources (technological or not).

POPVOX Foundation will rely on these insights to organize the upcoming meetings of its International Legislative Modernization Working Group. Stay tuned.