Digital administration and artificial intelligence in the Community of Madrid

  • The Community of Madrid is promoting a digital administration based on secure infrastructure, technological governance and advanced electronic services.
  • The future Law on Digital Administration and Artificial Intelligence will regulate citizen relations through electronic channels and the ethical use of AI in public services.
  • There are already numerous AI projects in healthcare, justice, social affairs and employment, which streamline procedures and improve decision-making.
  • The strategy combines public-private collaboration, support for SMEs and training programs for public employees, students and unemployed people.

Digital Administration Community of Madrid

La Digital Administration of the Community of Madrid It is undergoing a true silent revolution that affects how you interact with public services, how files are processed, and how the information generated daily by regional institutions is managed. It's not just about "converting paper to PDF," but about redesigning the administration to operate with efficiency, legal certainty, real-time data, and artificial intelligence.

All this change is based on a combination of new regulations, technological platforms, artificial intelligence projects, and electronic services These measures encompass everything from healthcare and justice to education, social services, and employment policies. Furthermore, the Community of Madrid is preparing a Law on Digital Administration and Artificial Intelligence, which will serve as the framework for consolidating this model, integrating it with European regulations, and ensuring that citizens' rights are always protected.

What is digital administration in Madrid and how is it organized?

At the heart of this process is a specialized structure responsible for the Direction, planning and promotion of all information technology, electronic communication and security initiatives that affect the General and Institutional Administration of the Community of Madrid. This structure coordinates major technology plans to ensure that systems are interoperable, easily scalable, and allow for the secure and efficient exchange of information.

One of its key tasks is to actively participate in the Proposals for administrative simplification, improvement of electronic services, citizen services, open government and transparencyThis includes both internal measures of the Community of Madrid itself and those aimed at collaboration with other administrations, universities, companies and the private sector in general, always respecting the powers of the specific regional body in matters of transparency and open government.

Furthermore, this organization deals with deployment of the artificial intelligence strategy and other enabling technologies for the digital transformation of the Madrid Administration. This encompasses the analysis, design, development, implementation, maintenance, and evolution of data analytics solutions, data governance, dashboards, big data, data intelligence, and tools for generating and managing knowledge, with the aim of ensuring that decision-making is based on robust and up-to-date information.

Another fundamental building block is the Acquisition, design, development and management of technological infrastructures and information systemsThis includes electronic communications and information security. Elements such as the digital workstations of public employees, storage infrastructures, data processing centers, the use of public and private clouds by the Community of Madrid, and, especially, the single electronic archive that stores files and documents in digital format, all come into play here.

Along with all of this, this entity assumes responsibility for the management of usage rights for software, databases and other technological assetsensuring compliance with licenses and the optimal use of resources. It also has the power to establish mandatory information systems for use throughout the General and Institutional Administration and in affiliated consortia, to avoid application fragmentation and guarantee consistency in processes.

Internal services, technology governance and cybersecurity

For this entire system to work, it is essential that public employees have a Effective technical support and direct assistance regarding technological resources which they use in their work. From basic incidents to complex system problems, this support service is key to ensuring that digital administration doesn't remain theoretical, but is operational on a daily basis.

In parallel, they are designed and implemented Information systems and electronic communication technology projects that support the operations of the various departments and agencies. This ranges from internal management applications to the portals and electronic offices you use as a citizen, all with the aim of ensuring the continuous functioning of the digital administration.

A strategic element is the definition and evolution of technology governance modelThis model establishes the catalog of available technological services, the associated metrics, the monitoring of service level agreements (SLAs), and a specific dashboard for spending on technology and communications. Simply put, it is the "rules of the game" that allows for monitoring the quality, performance, and cost of the entire regional digital ecosystem.

Cybersecurity is addressed through Development and approval of security policies for information and communication systems owned by the responsible Agency or entity. These policies are accompanied by the management of shared resources aimed at preventing, detecting, and responding to cybersecurity incidents and threats, thereby protecting both citizens' data and the Administration's critical assets.

Another important aspect is the exercise of the functions proper to responsible for the processing of personal data for the General and Institutional Administration of the Community of Madrid, within its corresponding scope. This implies rigorously managing the personal data processed in the regional systems, respecting at all times the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Spanish legislation on the matter.

To enable staff to adapt to this environment, the following are developed training and certification programs in digital skills aimed at employees of the General and Institutional Administration. This training seeks to ensure that civil servants not only know how to use the tools, but also understand digital processes, data management, and the implications of information security.

In addition, it is provided Consulting and technical assistance in information and communication technologies to the various bodies, and the promotion of technology transfer and cooperation with local authorities of the Community of Madrid and with other public administrations, so that digital advances do not remain only in the regional administration, but are shared and adapted at the local level.

Finally, the following is encouraged: reuse of media, systems and applications owned by the Administration For purposes of social interest, resolutions and instructions are prepared and approved to properly develop these powers and the exploitation of the internet domain names of the Community of Madrid is managed, including the authority for assignment, registration and dispute resolution on the top level domain ".madrid".

Official Gazette, electronic edition and citizen access

Article 40 of Statute of Autonomy of the Community of Madrid It establishes the rules for the publication in the Official Gazette of the Community of Madrid (BOCM) of laws passed by the Assembly and regulations of the regional government. The print version has been published regularly since June 16, 1983, but with the expansion of digital technologies and the internet, access to this gazette has increased significantly.

In recent years, the Community has clearly opted for the electronic edition of the BOCM and its associated electronic headquartersThis digitization of the official gazette will allow citizens to consult regulations quickly, securely, and free of charge. It not only improves accessibility but also reduces consultation times and facilitates transparency in the publication of regulations and administrative acts.

Decree 126/2022, of December 7, of the Governing Council, regulates precisely the electronic edition and the electronic headquarters of the Official Gazette of the Community of MadridThrough the BOCM Autonomous Body, universal and free access to the electronic edition of the bulletin is guaranteed through open telecommunications networks, allowing anyone, from anywhere, to consult the published official content.

To this end, this organization makes available to users a free database that allows you to search, retrieve and print provisions and acts that have been published in the digital edition of the BOCM. This type of tool makes it easier, for example, for legal professionals, companies and citizens to quickly locate a specific regulation or the entire history of publications related to a topic.

In this context, the processing, management and granting of aid and subsidies in the field of technological functions, including scholarships for university and vocational training internships at the Agency, increasingly rely on digitized procedures, electronic forms and electronic notifications that depend on this regulatory and technological infrastructure.

The future Law on Digital Administration and Artificial Intelligence

The Community of Madrid is promoting a Digital Administration and Artificial Intelligence Law This legislation is envisioned as a pioneering law to regulate digital public services and the interaction between citizens and the government through electronic channels. It will address crucial issues such as electronic identification and signature systems, electronic administrative records, and a single electronic archive.

One of the star elements will be the Digital Account, a platform from which Madrid residents can access more than 170 services From any device. This account will act as a central communication channel between the citizen and the Administration, making it easier to manage procedures in different areas without having to jump from one website to another or repeat the same information over and over again.

The text will also be responsible for establishing the framework for the use of artificial intelligence in regional governmentIt outlines the safeguards that must be respected when public services rely on this technology. The aim is to foster responsible and ethical development of AI, strengthen the competitiveness of businesses, and promote collaboration between the public, private, and scientific sectors.

In turn, the future Law will be adapted to new European regulation on artificial intelligence It will be integrated into the 2023-26 Digitalization Strategy, consolidating the Community of Madrid as a reliable, innovative, and competitive environment for deploying cutting-edge technologies. This alignment with Europe will allow for better utilization of EU funds, projects, and standards.

In addition to regulating the administrative level, the regulation aims to serve as lever for innovation and economic growthIt promotes the implementation of AI solutions in key sectors such as healthcare, education, and mobility. It also includes specific support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their digitalization process, offering a clear and stable legal framework so they can deploy projects with legal certainty.

Ethical use of AI, rights, control and transparency

The Law will define the General principles that should guide the use of artificial intelligence in the public sectoras well as the control, supervision, and monitoring mechanisms for automated systems. This will include specific administrative procedures for authorizing and implementing AI solutions within the Madrid administration.

These principles will include measures to guarantee the transparency of algorithms, protection of personal data, and ethical oversight of systemsThe goal is for automated or AI-assisted decisions to be understandable, auditable, and respectful of fundamental rights, avoiding bias or misuse of the technology.

The standard will also focus on digital training and education programs These programs are aimed at public employees, students, and professionals in general, with the goal of reducing the digital divide. Special attention will be given to those from sectors that may be most affected by automation, facilitating their adaptation to new professional profiles within the technology sector.

In legal terms, the draft bill contemplates the adaptation of intellectual and industrial property rights, as well as confidentiality and trade secretsto the specific characteristics of AI and digital services. All of this will be done in accordance with current legislation, so as to protect the creations, know-how and interests of companies and public administrations.

The Community of Madrid will also offer Support for local entities so that they can develop and implement their own AI systems In accordance with this Law, solutions are being proposed that are tailored to the needs and characteristics of each municipality. This aims to prevent a digital divide between municipalities and promote a balanced deployment of these technologies throughout the territory.

In parallel, the regional government plans to develop programs of Artificial intelligence training for unemployed peopleso they can steer their careers toward the most in-demand profiles in the technology sector. Updating skills will be especially relevant for workers from sectors impacted by automation.

Streamlining procedures and automating administrative tasks

One of the most visible benefits for citizens will be the simplification and streamlining of administrative proceduresThe implementation of the Digital Administration and Artificial Intelligence Law will allow procedures such as subsidies, contracts, forms or applications of various kinds to be managed much more quickly and easily through electronic platforms.

Thanks to the combined use of digital systems and artificial intelligence, it will be possible Automate routine tasks such as data pre-filling, error detection, or automatic draft generation for review. This frees up time for public employees, who can focus on higher value-added tasks and providing more personalized service to the people of Madrid.

Personalization will also be key: services will be able to adapt to profile and specific needs of each userThis allows many procedures to be completed in just five minutes. The systems that are implemented must be validated and certified before deployment, ensuring security, transparency, and quality in sensitive areas such as healthcare, education, and justice.

Another advantage of digitization will be the possibility of applying predictive analytics models to anticipate demands for healthcare, education, or transportation services. In this way, the Community of Madrid will be able to optimize resource allocation, adjust staffing levels, and improve planning, avoiding bottlenecks and reacting more quickly to abrupt changes in demand.

This predictive approach will also allow the Administration to assess in real time the impact of public policiesThis allows for correcting, reinforcing, or redirecting programs based on evidence, not just estimates. It may even be possible to prevent incidents before they occur, thanks to behavioral patterns detected in the data.

AI projects already underway in the Community of Madrid

Madrid's commitment to artificial intelligence is not starting from scratch: currently, the Department of Digitalization has identified over 200 potential AI projects and nearly 100 in operation which demonstrate the commitment of the regional government to the modernization of public services.

In the health sector, the Community has 88 artificial intelligence use casesof which approximately 90% are applied in the healthcare system. The platform highlights this. SERMAS GPT, designed to help medical professionals in the early detection of rare diseases, a field where information and speed in diagnosis are crucial.

AI is also being deployed for the Early diagnosis of prostate cancer using magnetic resonance imagingStarting with the Ramón y Cajal public hospital and later expanding to 14 other centers in the healthcare network, AI techniques will also be used to expedite the treatment of chronic non-cancer pain, based on a study at the Hospital de la Princesa with a sample of 100.000 cases.

In the field of justice, the application of artificial intelligence has already allowed reduce court processing times by around 20%One example is the 360º Search Engine, a tool that makes it easier for magistrates, judges and lawyers to locate information more quickly and accurately among more than 60 million digitized documents and more than half a million transcribed videos.

In the area of ​​Social Affairs, a pioneering project integrating social care robotics and artificial intelligence to improve the early intervention for children with disabilitiesrisk of developing it or developmental disorders. This type of tool seeks to combine technological support with specialized professional intervention.

In the economic and labor sphere, the regional government is working on a generative AI project for design customized youth employment plansWith an investment of 6,4 million euros, this initiative aims to enable professionals in public offices to offer services focused on reducing youth unemployment through guidance, training, job placement, and promoting recruitment.

This same project can be extended to other fields, such as labor mediation and the promotion of entrepreneurship and professional advancement of employed people. At the same time, the Community of Madrid has allocated some 9,9 million euros in aid to support the implementation and development of artificial intelligence projects in Madrid SMEs, thus strengthening the competitiveness of the business fabric.

Public-private collaboration, training and the horizon of digitalization

The rollout of Madrid's digital administration is understood as a project of public-private and scientific-technological collaborationThe future Law and the Digitalization Strategy 2023/26 promote a close relationship between the Administration, technology companies, universities and research centers, so that knowledge and innovation flow in both directions.

Within this framework, the following is being strongly promoted: digitization of small and medium-sized enterprises through support programs, guidance, and dissemination of AI-based solutions and other enabling technologies. The goal is for SMEs to be able to compete in a global environment, gain efficiency, and open new lines of business by leveraging digital transformation.

Training plays a crucial role: in addition to specific training programs for public employees, the following are planned Artificial intelligence training programs for students, the unemployed, and working professionalsThe idea is to generate a critical mass of talent capable of designing, implementing, and monitoring these technologies, preventing the skills gap from becoming a hindrance to economic and social development.

At the same time, the Administration assumes that it must continue to develop resolutions and technical instructions that specify and update their digital skillsas well as assuming new functions that may be assigned to it by the laws and regulations of the Community of Madrid as technology advances. Flexibility and continuous updating will be essential to ensure that the regulatory framework does not become obsolete.

This entire framework—robust technological infrastructure, data governance, security, applied AI, Digital Account, electronic BOCM (Official Gazette of the Community of Madrid), and training and aid programs—forms a model of Madrid's digital administration focused on efficiency, transparency and quality serviceThe combination of technological innovation with legal and ethical guarantees places the Community of Madrid in a prominent position to face the challenges of the coming years, offer more agile and people-centered public services and at the same time boost the competitiveness of its social and economic fabric.

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