Catalonia is launching an ambitious program to completely overhaul the way its government agencies operate. Regional authorities have announced fifty new initiatives aimed at making interactions between citizens, businesses, and the administration simpler and faster. Key changes include the introduction of artificial intelligence, a revision of the civil service recruitment system, and the official recognition of citizens’ right to make mistakes when submitting documents.
The reform will affect almost every area: from receiving social benefits and registering a place of residence to applying for unemployment allowances and pensions. In recent years, residents and entrepreneurs have increasingly complained about the complexity and confusion of bureaucratic procedures. Now, regional authorities have decided to radically change their management approach to restore public and business trust.
New approaches to hiring and civil service work
One of the most notable innovations is a complete overhaul of the recruitment system in government institutions. Plans include passing a special law that will allow for quicker and more efficient hiring of young professionals and experienced managers. Authorities expect this will not only shorten the time needed to fill open positions but also make public service more attractive to talented candidates. There will be a strong focus on developing teamwork and flexibility skills, not just theoretical knowledge.
In the coming years, nearly a quarter of current employees will retire, leaving the region to address the challenge of generational change within the civil service. The new system aims to simplify the transfer of specialists between different agencies and speed up the hiring process. It is expected that the time needed to process new hires in the administration will be reduced by more than half.
The right to make mistakes and the end of mandatory appointments
Another key change is the official introduction of the right for Catalonia’s residents to make mistakes when dealing with government agencies. Now, if someone makes an error in documents by accident, they won’t have to start the entire procedure from scratch. This approach is already used in several European countries and is intended to make bureaucracy less stressful for ordinary people.
Mandatory scheduling to visit government offices is also being abolished. This measure was introduced during the pandemic, but now authorities are restoring the option to access services in person without unnecessary formalities. In addition, all documents and instructions must be provided in clear and accessible language.
Digitalization and artificial intelligence
Digital transformation is a central part of the reform. In the next few years, a dedicated unit will be established within the government to oversee the development of artificial intelligence and big data management. New technologies are expected to speed up application processing and make services more personalized and transparent.
The implementation of the reform will be overseen by two new bodies: one will focus on introducing the changes, while the other will carry out ongoing monitoring and assess effectiveness. Authorities emphasize that digitalization will go hand in hand with protecting personal data and ensuring transparency throughout all processes.
Residents of Catalonia can expect to feel the first results in the coming months. Authorities promise that the most urgent issues—such as processing benefits and social assistance—will be resolved much faster. Overall, the reform is planned for several years and will cover all levels of regional governance.
