Panama’s Agenda Digital 2020

The Agenda Digital 2020 (El Camino a un Ciudadano Digital) is Panama’s strategic plan to leverage digital transformation to improve the quality of life of its citizens, reduce inequality, and foster national competitiveness. This initiative is rooted in the recognition that technology is a critical driver for economic, social, and governmental modernisation. Developed through a collaborative effort involving multidisciplinary professionals, civil society, and public servants, the strategy reflects a shared vision of progress for the nation.

The agenda outlines its purpose to create a digitally inclusive society where all citizens, including those in underserved communities, have access to the benefits of the digital era. Through initiatives such as the ‘Portal del Ciudadano,’ which centralizes access to government services and digital identities, the strategy aims to simplify and enhance interactions between citizens and the state. It also seeks to develop a robust digital ecosystem that supports innovation and technological adoption while promoting transparency and efficiency.

The structure of the Agenda Digital 2020 is anchored on several foundational pillars, each guiding key areas of development:

• Good Governance: Promoting transparency and strengthening democratic processes.
• Competitive Economy: Generating employment through a knowledge-based economy.
• Social Equity and Inclusion: Enhancing access to technology for disadvantaged groups.
• Education Enhancement: Expanding digital literacy and integrating technology into education.
• Infrastructure Development: Strengthening technological infrastructure for efficient service delivery.
• Knowledge Generation and Innovation: Leveraging research and development for value-added products and services.

The goals of Agenda Digital 2020 are defined in measurable terms to ensure practical progress:

• Expand internet access to 64 underserved communities, benefiting approximately 128,000 citizens.
• Develop a feasibility study for achieving 100% digital coverage, targeting over 1.6 million citizens in remote regions.
• Implement training programs in 48 social inclusion centers to improve employability through skill development.

The agenda emphasises flagship initiatives that utilise emerging technologies like IoT, cloud computing, and 5G to transform governance, education, and economic sectors. For example, the Internet of Things is proposed as a core technology for smart cities, enhancing services such as green mobility and real-time resource monitoring. Similarly, blockchain and distributed ledger technologies are highlighted for their potential to increase transparency and security in public administration.

Organisationally, the strategy focuses on creating robust inter-institutional governance structures. This involves redefining institutional roles and ensuring accountability for the implementation of digital solutions. Training and upskilling public sector employees play a vital role in this process, ensuring the workforce is prepared to adopt and manage new technologies effectively.

Through this strategy, Panama envisions not only addressing current challenges but also positioning itself as a regional leader in digital innovation and governance. The Agenda Digital 2020 serves as a roadmap to bridge the digital divide and unlock the full potential of technology for the nation’s development.