On November 9th, 2023, Bússola Tech hosted the LegisTech Library Release Ceremony, a virtual event celebrating the launch of a new digital repository for knowledge and resources related to parliamentary modernization and digital transformation. The event brought together prominent figures from parliamentary institutions, inter-parliamentary organizations, academia, and the private sector to discuss the critical role of knowledge sharing in advancing legislative innovation.

Distinguished Participants:

• Moderator: Mr. Luís Kimaid, Executive Director of Bússola Tech.

Parliamentary Representatives:

• Ms. Lumina Mentari, Staff for the Open Parliament Program at the Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat of Indonesia.
• Mr. Fotios Fitsilis, Team Leader at the Hellenic Parliament.
• Mr. Wade Ballou, Legislative Counsel at the U.S. House of Representatives.
• Ms. Gabriela Borges, Governance Director at the Senado Federal of Brazil.
• Mr. Tonye Clinton Jaja, National Institute for Legislative Studies at the National Assembly of Nigeria.
• Ms. Natalie Foster, Clerk Assistant at the House of Commons of Canada.
• Mr. Christopher Henry, Director of Digital Business at the House of Commons of Canada.
• Mr. Rodolfo Vaz, Director of Public Participation and Transparency at the Câmara dos Deputados of Brazil.
• Dr. Alvaro Cabrera, Directorate for Legislation at the National Assembly of Hungary.
• Mr. Ludovic Delepine, Head of the Archives at the EU Parliament.

Inter-Parliamentary Organizations:

• Ms. Anabella Zavagno, Deputy Director General of ParlAmericas.
• Mr. Andy Beattie, Chief Parliamentary Counsel in Scotland and representative of the Commonwealth Association of Legislative Counsel.
• Mr. Moses Benamor, Representative of the Organization of American States.

Private Sector:

• Mr. Jonathan Ruckert, CEO of NovaWorks Australia.
• Mr. Mark Stodder, President of Xcential Legislative Technologies.

Academia

• Dr. Juan de Dios Cincunegui, Professor at Universidad Austral.

Key Themes

The LegisTech Library Release Ceremony served as a platform for in-depth discussions around several key themes crucial to parliamentary modernization and digital transformation. Participants highlighted the crucial role of knowledge exchange and collaboration in driving positive change within legislative institutions. They acknowledged the unique challenges and opportunities faced by parliaments in the digital age, recognizing the immense value of sharing best practices, case studies, and insights from across the globe. The LegisTech Library was presented as a powerful tool for facilitating this exchange, offering a centralized repository of knowledge and resources readily accessible to parliamentary professionals and stakeholders worldwide.

Another key theme was the importance of accessibility and plain language in knowledge dissemination. Recognizing that not all individuals within the parliamentary ecosystem possess technical backgrounds, participants underscored the need to present information in a clear, concise, and easily understandable manner. This commitment to accessibility ensures that the knowledge contained within the LegisTech Library can be effectively utilized by a diverse range of stakeholders, ultimately contributing to more inclusive and impactful modernization efforts.

The ceremony also provided a forum for addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by the rapid pace of technological change. Participants acknowledged the transformative potential of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) within parliaments, while also recognizing the need for careful consideration of ethical implications and responsible implementation. The discussions emphasized the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing among legislative bodies to ensure that AI and other emerging technologies are integrated in a way that strengthens democratic processes and institutions.

Finally, the event served as a testament to Bússola Tech's dedication to fostering a strong community of practice among parliamentary professionals and stakeholders. By bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds and sectors, the ceremony facilitated valuable connections and fostered a sense of shared purpose. This collaborative spirit is essential for ensuring the successful and sustainable implementation of modernization initiatives within parliaments around the world.

Outcomes and Significance:

The LegisTech Library Release Ceremony successfully launched a valuable resource for the global parliamentary community. The event fostered dialogue and collaboration among participants, highlighting the importance of knowledge sharing and collective action in advancing legislative innovation and strengthening democratic institutions worldwide.