This issue of BOLETIC is a special edition dedicated to the Reform of Public Administration, a recurrent theme in previous issues of the magazine and in the various events organized by ASTIC. However, we thought it would be of great interest to produce a summary in a special issue. For this purpose, we have been able to count on the participation of the promoters of this reform who have given us the opportunity to learn, first hand, about their view of the role of Technology which creates a Public Service more efficient and closer to the citizens it serves.
Throughout this issue we will see examples where Information and Communication Technology (ICT) go from being a mere instrument for procedures intended to be conducted on paper, to be the route of choice for access to public services and adapt to current habits of society, as in the case of the Tax Administration and the Social Security Administration offices. A change in the way these two administrations interact with citizens has been introduced, gradually, with the help of excellent professionals from various public bodies.
The Administrative reform in which we are currently involved, bases most of its actions on the use of information technology to promote a process of change in the operation of the civil service. However, we lack the support of higher ranking ASTIC ICT officials that might directly influence this reform.
We believe that the bodies represented by ASTIC, i.e., those that include senior ICT technicians, must play a leading role in promoting administrative reform and bringing the current and future role of administration up to what to the society demands. Although they are usually limited to technological fields, members must know firsthand all through their administrative lives, the different public policies -both horizontal and sectorial- to make proposals that will allow an effective implementation of technology, wherever necessary.
Although these bodies are still young compared to other bodies of government, they are gradually being consolidated, becoming another necessary branch to give better public service to society.
