Iniciative #16 – Digital and Intelligent Nation

Rationale

In a rapidly evolving world, where global competitiveness and the well-being of populations increasingly depend on robust digital infrastructures, it is necessary to position Portugal as an international reference in connectivity and territorial intelligence, promoting a truly digital and intelligent nation.

Portugal has made significant progress in implementing Smart City ecosystems through data sensing, data collection and data analysis, which support decisionmaking and city management.

These actions have been primarily developed at the level of larger cities, not being as developed or common in less populated areas. This means that a national view of the territory or equitable access to intelligent solutions is not currently available.

We are committed to the development of Smart Cities in Portugal, while also advocating for the provision of opportunities and resources to all Territories.

Details

The Digital and Intelligent Nation initiative is a strategic response to the need to expand access to intelligent territory management solutions, as well as to improve the interconnection between different territories, creating an ecosystem of best practices and data sharing.

The initiative is founded on the principles of inclusion, sustainability, and territorial cohesion. Its aim is to integrate urban and rural dimensions into a digital ecosystem that leverages the potential of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and 5G networks.

Furthermore, the Digital and Intelligent Nation acknowledges the particularities and challenges posed by each territory, including demographic ageing, decentralisation of services and climate change. It promotes targeted and collaborative interventions among public entities, private sectors and civil society.