The **Parliament** is a fundamental democratic institution responsible for legislating, overseeing government activities, and representing citizens. It typically consists of elected representatives (such as MPs) who debate and pass laws, scrutinize government actions, and allocate public funds. Modern parliaments increasingly leverage digital technologies to enhance transparency, efficiency, and citizen engagement.
Historically, parliamentary systems have evolved from traditional face-to-face deliberations to incorporating comprehensive digital infrastructures. For example, the UK Parliament has embraced ICT by providing MPs with secure email, intranet access, cloud-based productivity software, and tablet devices to replace paper documents, enabling remote work and environmental savings as part of its Digital First strategy[1]. Similarly, the Canadian Parliament expanded its use of ICT during the COVID-19 pandemic, adopting tools like Zoom for hybrid meetings and e-voting apps, along with open data portals and virtual reality experiences to boost public accessibility and engagement[2].
Parliaments worldwide face the challenge of modernizing while preserving valued traditions. Innovation involves digitizing parliamentary information (minutes, debates, bills), implementing secure digital systems for remote participation, electronic voting, and live streaming of sessions[4]. Developing digital skills among parliamentarians and staff is critical to maximize these technologies' benefits[4]. The Global Centre for ICT in Parliament supports these efforts by facilitating knowledge exchange and technical assistance globally[5].
Key achievements in parliamentary innovation include the integration of AI tools for legislative analysis, enhanced transparency through open data, and improved citizen engagement platforms[3][7]. In 2025, some legislatures, such as the House of Representatives, established specialized committees focused on AI and information technology policy, reflecting a growing recognition of digital transformation’s strategic importance[7].
Currently, parliaments are undergoing broad digital transformations, re-mapping technological landscapes to meet future business needs, improve legislative processes, and strengthen democratic institutions worldwide[6]. This ongoing evolution blends tradition with innovation to create more accessible, transparent, and effective legislatures for the