Impact

The IAS Project is clearly a novelty for the rural world and for the regional administration since it eliminates paperwork and initiates both communities to the use of the Internet. The applications that before where on paper, without the security of knowing the data was correct or that it would reach their destination, have been transformed into electronic forms where any applicant can be simply executed at any moment and place. The administration makes sure that the applications are received with the correct data that can automatically be passed on for processing, therefore, speeding up the steps and accelerating aid payment. It decreases processing time and dedicated resources. The second phase of land control for the presented applications can be carried out in record time, increasing the number of plots visited and inspected per day while seeing an increased reliability of the gathered data thanks to the PC tablets, and GIS and GPS tools. This new method allows the information to be handed over daily to the Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fishing. This information is fundamental for correctly carrying out payments. This project is mainly directed at citizens for improving their relationship with the administration and for providing them with all necessary steps. In short, it is centred on the rural environment, a field not very well-favoured or with easy access to new technologies. The new way of filling in an application favours the whole community of stockmen and farmers. It is easier and more reliable thanks to the high-quality information they can consult at any moment and from any place while avoiding travel. In summary, it speeds up the process, reduces time and allows access from any point. The benefits, from the administration’s perspective, are that it is not only software, but also an integrated system. It helps public employees to manage applications and to guarantee correct and on-time payments. It reduces the work load while directing more efforts toward developing new means to benefit the citizen. In general, it includes all the benefits of the Internet, the security of authentication with electronic certificates, the advantages of GIS tools that can locate and provide immediate access to plans and land plots, GPS localisation tools in real-time and the use of mobile devices such as PC tablets and 3G cards for locating and measuring plots electronically.

Lessons learnt

Lesson 1 - The implantation of new technologies in the rural world has been a great challenge that has changed the mentality of citizens and public employees. Hence, to start a project of this sort, support and guidance are required to guarantee its success. In this sense, the experience of IAS has allowed us to fairly gauge the value of a network of offices that can boost and help initiate the online services. Lesson 2 - The transformation from the traditional management systems based on an exchange of information on paper to a new automated system spectacularly reduces the number of employees dedicated to processing tasks. Lesson 3 - The modernization of public administrations by applying new technologies in the rural world maximises the effects of measures such as the European Rural Development Funds by creating a “cultivation broth” for new businesses that act like an economic motor in unfavourable zones, allowing the administration to act as a boost and stimulate the economy.