Interoperability: The foundation of a more efficient and connected public administration
Update 20.08.2026
Interoperability enables simpler, more connected public services.
Interoperability
Public Administration
Digital Transformation
In Detail
The digital transformation of public administration involves more than simply making additional services available online. In order to provide citizens and businesses with a simpler, more efficient experience, it is essential that the systems used by different public sector organisations can communicate with each other securely and effectively.
This is where interoperability plays a central role. By enabling the secure exchange of information between public organisations, interoperability helps to reduce bureaucracy and supports the delivery of more integrated, user-centred public services.
What is interoperability?
It is the ability of different systems, platforms and organisations to exchange information and use that data consistently, securely and efficiently.
In the context of public administration, it allows public sector organisations to share information as required, thereby avoiding duplicated processes and reducing the need for citizens and businesses to repeatedly provide the same information.
The aim is to provide simpler, faster, and more efficient public services, while improving the quality of service delivery overall.
The Public Administration Interoperability Platform
In Portugal, interoperability is enabled through the iAP.
This infrastructure facilitates secure communication between public sector organisations and the exchange of information required for the delivery of digital public services.
In practice, the iAP helps to:
- Reduce duplicate information requests;
- Simplify administrative processes;
- Accelerate public service delivery;
- Improve the efficiency of public administration.
- It enhances the experience of citizens and businesses.
This approach enables public administration to become more connected, responsive and effective.
Interoperability in the European Union
Interoperability is also a key priority for the EU. Through the Interoperable Europe initiative, the European Commission encourages collaboration between Member States to develop shared solutions, exchange best practices and establish digital public services that function seamlessly across borders.
This cooperation ensures that public sector systems across Europe can communicate effectively, making it easier for citizens and businesses to access digital public services in different countries.
Portugal has aligned itself with the European strategy
Participation in European interoperability initiatives helps Portugal align its national solutions with European frameworks while accelerating the modernisation of public administration.
By adopting common standards and promoting the secure exchange of information, Portugal is strengthening the delivery of more connected and efficient public services that are better equipped to meet the challenges of digital transformation.
A cornerstone of public sector modernisation
Interoperability is one of the foundations of digital public administration.
By enabling systems and organisations in the public sector to work together, it reduces bureaucracy, improves the quality of public services and provides a simpler experience for citizens and businesses.
Interoperability is more than just a technological capability; it represents a new way of designing and delivering public services — one that places collaboration between organisations and the needs of users at the heart of digital transformation.