The Second Edition of the LegisTech Forum: A Digital Pivot Towards Legislative Transformation

At the intersection of technology and legislation, the second edition of the LegisTech Forum arose as a beacon of strength for the global community committed to the digital revolution of legislative power. Initiated by Bússola Tech in October 2020, this digital event brought together like-minded enthusiasts and experts for an extensive 24-hour dialogue centred around the unfolding digital evolution within Legislative Houses worldwide.

Inspired by the necessity brought upon by the Covid-19 pandemic, legislative institutions opened their doors to technology, paving the way for innovative remote deliberations. This forum served as a platform to analyse these unprecedented steps and ponder future trajectories, with the ultimate goal of bolstering the efficacy of the legislative process and oversight mechanisms of executive actions.

The conference played host to a prestigious panel of experts. The forum encouraged a collaborative ambiance, inviting speakers and audience members alike to actively contribute their insights on the discussed topics, fostering a shared understanding aimed at benefiting Legislative Houses worldwide.

A myriad of critical themes was explored, each with its own potential to shape the future of legislative operations. Participants dived into the ethical and operational premises of artificial intelligence and its promising applications in public policy enforcement and the legislative process. The assembly shed light on the ongoing digitalization of Courts of Auditors, while delineating the pathway of digital transformation pertinent to the legislative process. The essentiality of interparliamentary cooperation in achieving legislative digital transformation was highlighted, along with fostering public participation and transparency in legislative processes.

Particular attention was devoted to the role of startups in facilitating the legislature's digital transformation and crafting the architecture of a Digital Legislative House. Participants also broached the subject of nurturing innovation within legislative staff, with a keen focus on the user experience in the legislature. The discourse emphasised the importance of understanding the needs of both internal and external users to create a seamless digital legislative experience.

The forum boasted a diverse range of participants, including ABRIG, Apolitical, the Assembly of the Representatives of the People of Tunisia, Bússola Tech, the Câmara dos Deputados of Brazil, Directorio Legislativo, the EU Parliament, Inteligov, Interlegis | Brazil, ParlAmericas, Patri, the Red Latinoamericana por la Transparencia Legislativa, the Senado Federal of Brazil, SigaLei, Tech Congress, the Tribunal de Contas da União of Brazil, the World Bank, and Xcential Legislative Technologies. This broad representation attests to the forum's universal appeal and its potential to shape the global legislative landscape.

The LegisTech Forum stands as a testament to the power of collective wisdom and the infinite possibilities of technology in redefining the legislative landscape. The collaboration of such a wide range of participants, from renowned legislative bodies, to forward-thinking tech companies and passionate non-profit organisations, provided an enriching and dynamic environment for sharing insights and defining the path forward. As we reflect on the successes of the second edition, we look forward to continually driving change and embracing innovation in legislative processes, with the shared vision of creating an increasingly transparent, accessible, and efficient legislative environment for all.