Presentation

Over the last few years, the introduction of the Age of the Internet in public administration has undergone remarkable growth, based on the development of a positive cycle between technological innovation, administrative restructuring and the ongoing improvement of public services.

This road we have set out on presents us with a new set of challenges and the need to make use of available Information and Communications Technologies to foster closer links and greater citizen involvement in collective decision making processes.

The Generalitat de Catalunya has embarked upon this transformation in the governing process by capitalising on the experience of local governments and defining a ground-breaking programme of e-governance. A programme built upon the fundamental principles of online work and subsidiarity.

I am convinced that the contributions made in this second e-governance Catalonia Forum will continue to establish the framework for the transformation that all Catalan administrations will have to undergo in order to adapt to the new demands of the knowledge-based society and to construct a Catalonia that is online, digital and close to our citizens.

Pasqual Maragall
President of the Generalitat, Government of Catalonia