How can smaller Parliaments use digital innovation to provide resilience and growth for their jurisdictions?

Today, leveraging technology through innovation is essential for small jurisdictions facing unique and compounding challenges like limited resources and restricted market access. Factors such as small population size, reliance on imports and the impacts of climate change amplify the effects of economic shocks, making resilience even more crucial. Parliament plays a key role in fostering an environment that encourages innovation and supports economic development.

In this workshop session, participants will learn practical strategies to accelerate digital transformation. This includes forming partnerships with technology firms, investing in digital literacy programmes and developing a comprehensive digital strategy across Parliament. The session will also address common barriers to innovation and present real-world examples of successful digital solutions that enhance community services and stimulate economic growth. Special attention will be given to the importance of these innovations for small jurisdictions.

The CPA Small Branches network intends for this workshop to highlight initiatives from across the Commonwealth and demonstrate how Parliamentarians can champion innovation. By the end of the session, participants will have a deeper understanding of how to promote digital innovation in their jurisdictions and will be equipped with the tools to initiate or enhance these efforts. 

The recommendation proposed for endorsement by workshop delegates is as follows:

• Parliaments of the Commonwealth should explore and engage with practical strategies to accelerate digital innovations that build resilience and drive economic growth.

General Resources:

• Inclusive and accessible multi-hazard early-warning systems: learning from women-led early-warning systems in the Pacific | UNDRR 
• UNDP at the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) | United Nations Development Programme
• Empowering Futures: Digital Transformation in the Eastern Caribbean (worldbank.org) 

The Parliamentarian: Related Articles

• The Parliamentarian 2023 Issue Two: View from the CPA Small Branches Chairperson - Opportunities for CPA Small Branches: Growth and development for your Parliament
• The Parliamentarian 2022 Issue Four: Building sustainable economies in small jurisdictions - Presentation at the Sustainable Economic development CPA Small Branches workshop
• The Parliamentarian 2022 Issue Three: CPA Small Branches Workshop B: Building sustainable economies in CPA Small Branches