In bilico tra continuità e innovazione. Osservazioni comparate sullo sviluppo delle tecniche di informazione e comunicazione applicate all’attività parlamentare in Regno Unito e Germania

This paper presents the results of a comparative research aimed at: a) analyzing information and communication techniques deployed by the UK and German Parliaments and measuring their impact; b) identifying differences and commonalities of digital development in the two case studies; c) understanding which legal factors may explain the emerging trends. In order to reach these goals, a mixed methodology combining desk research with 15 interviews with experts of UK and German parliaments is employed. Theoretically, the analysis is centered around the specific function of the technological tool under exam, rather than considering it within the false group of ´technologyª. Evidence shows that digitalization still encounters difficulties, in both countries, to enter the parliamentary proceedings in a systematic and coherent way. Nonetheless, important technological innovations have taken place in specific area, such as the work of Committees. The main difference between the two countries is the digital development in the outreach activity, with the UK Parliament performing substantially better than the German counterpart. This evidence seems to confirm the hypothesis of the study: in the absence of a complete reengineering of parliamentary activities, the structures of the tradition (i.e. legal culture) are the main driver shaping elaboration, introduction, development and success of a specific technological tool within a specific country. Clearly, these results require a constant update, in the light of the accelerated modifications triggered by the digital time.