16-07-2024
NOVA School of Science and Technology (NOVA FCT) and AMA - Agency for Administrative Modernisation have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish the first Citizen Space within a higher education institution in Portugal. This development marks a significant advancement in delivering public services within an academic setting.
The Citizen Space, part of AMA's omnichannel service offering, is designed to centralize various services from different entities at a single contact point, enhancing access to essential services from central and local administration and private entities of public interest. The new space at NOVA FCT will enable students, staff, and the local community to handle various administrative matters more quickly and efficiently.
Services available at NOVA FCT's Citizen Space will include renewing driving licenses, requesting a new password or property booklet from the Tax Authority, submitting expenses to ADSE, dealing with employment and vocational training issues, changing the address on Citizen Cards, applying for the European Health Insurance Card, and signing up for the Paperless Invoices service, among others.
In addition to service provision, Citizen Spaces aim to promote digital literacy through assisted self-service and biometrics, enabling citizens to interact digitally with the Public Administration.
The Citizen Space on the Caparica Campus joins a network of over 890 points across the country, located in Citizen Shops, town halls, parish councils, libraries, and now a university. The establishment of this new point at NOVA FCT represents a significant step in decentralizing and improving access to public services and reflects the commitment of AMA and this higher education institution to innovation and excellence in serving the population.
"We are very excited about the signing of this protocol, which will create the first Citizen Space in a university. This memorandum of understanding marks a significant milestone not only for our School but for the entirety of higher education in Portugal," said José Júlio Alferes, Dean of NOVA FCT.
Sofia Mota, President of AMA - Agency for Administrative Modernisation, emphasized that "expanding the network of Citizen Spaces to more convenient and accessible locations is a priority in line with AMA's new service model, which aims to integrate digital and face-to-face service channels to provide fast, efficient service and an improved experience in accessing services."
The protocol signing followed the Council of Ministers meeting at NOVA FCT, where issues of modernizing and reducing bureaucracy in public administration were discussed. The Citizen Space at NOVA FCT is scheduled to open by January 2025, six months after the protocol's signing between the faculty and AMA.
