I recently had to translate the following seminar title from Italian to English:
La reputazione della Pubblica Amministrazione: in questo paese, può l’impiegato pubblico essere un alleato del cittadino? E può cambiare il modo di vedere la P.A. da parte del cittadino?
This title has a major flaw (quite apart from its utter lack of appeal). It’s way too long in itself and, at 186 characters, it’s way, way too long to be tweeted.
The seminar was part of Forum PA, the Italian public sector “trade fair” held each year in Rome. For all the talk of modernisation, digital government and engaging with citizens, Italy’s public sector has a lot of catching up to do.
By Marian Dougan