Argentina’s strategic digital transformation plan

July 2023

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Strategies and Action Plans

Author: Ministry of Public Works, Argentina

This plan is a cornerstone of Argentina’s effort to build a smarter, more transparent, and participatory state. It emphasises not just technology, but also deep institutional reforms and cultural change, involving all sectors of society in the transformation of public works governance.

Overview

The plan aims to develop an intelligent state through the modernisation and digitalisation of public works management. It focuses on:

  • Simplifying and automating processes
  • Promoting transparency and citizen engagement
  • Using data and technology for informed decision-making

Vision

To contribute to a more just, equitable, and inclusive Argentina by leveraging digital transformation for increased transparency, efficiency, and citizen participation in public works.

Mission

To fully integrate digital technologies in public works management, fostering organizational cultural change, innovative processes, and new ways of delivering value to society.

Core values

  • Inclusion: Ensure access to technology for all actors in public works.
  • Quality: Deliver solutions meeting high digital standards.
  • Innovation: Redesign practices using digital tools and collaborative solutions.
  • Efficiency: Achieve planned goals within defined timeframes.
  • Transparency: Guarantee easy access to information and open data.
  • Gender Perspective: Recognise and include women, LGBTQ+, and diverse groups.
  • Collaboration: Foster collective participation among all stakeholders.

Strategic pillars

The plan is built upon three strategic pillars:

  1. Efficiency, integration, and process improvement
    • Streamline and automate workflows.
    • Ensure platform interoperability.
    • Integrate digital tools like BIM (Building Information Modelling).
  2. Transparency and citizen engagement
    • Provide proactive digital services.
    • Facilitate open data access.
    • Enable citizens to participate in monitoring and decision-making.
  3. Technological innovation and data intelligence
    • Modernise IT infrastructure.
    • Leverage artificial intelligence, automation, IoT, and predictive analytics.
    • Develop decision-support systems and data visualisation dashboards.

Main solutions and tools

  • Virtual office platform: Digital window for municipalities and construction companies to manage procedures.
  • Investment map: Open data platform showcasing projects and budgets.
  • GEOMOP: Geospatial platform for territorial analysis.
  • Inspection and supervision App: Mobile solution for real-time monitoring of public works.
  • Digital training platform: Virtual campus for capacity-building.
  • AI & automation: Predictive systems and process automation.
  • Internal communication tools: Intranet and management dashboards.
  • Open data systems: Hydrological and seismic data, among others.

Governance

The plan is coordinated by the General Directorate of Information and Communication Technologies (DGTIC) under the Ministry of Public Works. It involves:

  • Digital transformation network: Involves internal departments and external stakeholders.
  • Public works observatory: Includes universities, unions, private sector organisations, and civil society for consultation and monitoring.
  • IT governance committee: Oversees IT policies and coordinates actions.

The plan follows international standards such as ISO/IEC 38500:2015 for IT governance.

Implementation process

The plan applies a five-step risk and opportunity management methodology:

  1. Identify risks/opportunities.
  2. Assess their likelihood and impact.
  3. Treat through mitigation or other actions.
  4. Monitor outcomes and effectiveness.
  5. Improve continuously through periodic adjustments.

Monitoring and evaluation

The plan uses a system of indicators and a dashboard to:

  • Track progress toward objectives and targets.
  • Evaluate outcomes regularly.
  • Implement corrective measures as needed.

The system ensures accountability, periodic reviews, and adaptation to ensure sustainability and performance.

Key statistics (as of 2023)

  • Digitalised procedures: 53,129
  • Construction companies engaged: 350+
  • Municipalities involved: 2,000+
  • Published projects: 872
  • Published public works: 6,969
  • Inspection reports: 4,694
  • Investment map website visits: 2+ million

Broader context

  • Part of the National Digital Government Strategy and the 5th Open Government Action Plan 2022–2024.
  • Aligned with global good practices from the OECD, World Bank, and Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
  • Reflects Argentina’s commitment to digital inclusion, federalism, and public sector innovation.