Good Practices and Innovations in Public Governance 2003-2011

Good Practices and InnovATIONS in Public Governance
Europe and North America
Portugal
2011 Category 3 — 2nd Place Winner
Initiative:
1084 – Simplex Public Consultation and Simplex Idea
Institution:
Agency for the Public Services Reform
Description
The Agency for the Public Services Reform, supervised by the Secretary of State for
Administrative Modernization has been devising strategies for reducing bureaucracy
and engaging citizens among other programs. One of its programs, the Simplex
Program is Portugal’s national administrative and legislative program towards the
reduction of administrative burdens on businesses as well as citizens. It seeks to
simplify processes that are critical to Portugal’s economic growth through a participatory
policy-making process. The overarching objective is to improve citizens’
trust in government, efficiency of public services and social involvement. To date,
more than 600 simplification measures were successfully implemented. Examples
of processes simplified are electronic applications and registrations for higher education;
electronic booking of hospital appointments, simplified municipal building
permits and pre-filled electronic income tax declarations. The gain of trust and support
between citizens and civil servants facilitates effective formulation of solutions
by policy-makers as they have a better understanding of the problems and needs of
citizens and businesses.
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