Smart Digital Governance: City of Barcelona Case Study
To express their commitment to the promotion of human rights of digital access, The City of Barcelona establish the Institutional Declaration on Technological Humanism. This declaration not only fosters the value of equity in digital accessibility but also protects the citizen right and liberties in the digital space. The city government nurture this value by applying a holistic approach in the digital governance of the city. Technology and digital services are not only the responsibility of the city’s Chief Technology Officer but also shared to related city stakeholders. Coordination between these stakeholders are key to provide better digital service for Barcelona residents including the population with socio-economic vulnerabilities. The City of Barcelona aim to provide equal access to the residents by involving at least 3 key stakeholders:
- Social services: As the closest contact to citizens in the neighbourhood level, to assess needs and provide immediate solutions on site
- IT department: Taking the role of the principle contact to private stakeholders dealing with connectivity and digital device provision (e.g. telecom providers, digital device manufacturers, etc.).
- Local Economic Growth Agencies: Responsible to improve the capacity of digital literacy and competencies of citizens. Providing various digital skills educational programs and other IT trainings.
Reference:
UN Habitat’s Mainstreaming Human Rights in the Digital Transformation of Cities: A guide for local governments
