Today, digitization is a key driver of development across various sectors. It is a tool to accelerate processes, improve services, and bridge the gap between institutions and citizens. However, without a radical and complete reform of public administration, digitization could shift from a golden opportunity to a fast track to failure.
Obstacles to Digitization in Bureaucratic Structures
Traditional management, especially in developing countries, is often based on bureaucratic structures that are complex and slow. These systems still operate with outdated methods, heavily relying on paperwork and manual transactions, hindering a smooth transition to digitization. Applying modern technology on top of these structures without rethinking or simplifying them will not yield the desired results; instead, it may complicate processes further and widen the gap between administration and citizens. It is well known that digitization requires flexibility and speed in decision-making and implementation, whereas bureaucratic management tends to be slow and complex. This inconsistency leads to unsatisfactory outcomes, as digital systems face internal resistance from employees or ministries unprepared for change. Instead of improving efficiency, organizations may find themselves in a worse situation than before digitization.
Reforming Skills and Legislation to Succeed in Digitization
Since digitization is not solely based on technology, it requires a trained workforce capable not only of managing digital tools but also of transforming operational processes and work procedures. In many public organizations, employees lack the necessary skills to effectively use these technologies and carry out the required transformations. Without a systematic approach, the technological infrastructure may be inadequate or obsolete, hindering the implementation of digital solutions. The legal and regulatory framework is critical in this process, and updating this framework is essential. Old laws may not meet the requirements of the digital age. For instance, the administration may need legislation that enables full electronic processing instead of relying on paperwork. Without these reforms, digitization could be hindered by outdated laws, impeding its ability to evolve. When digitization is implemented without management reform, the failure is not just technical, but also economic and social. Implementing inappropriate digital systems increases citizen frustration, as they struggle to adapt to new services, further deepening the divide between the administration and the public. Additionally, significant investments in technology without tangible results can lead to a waste of resources.
Digital Leadership: The Driver of Administrative Reform
