Colombia’s strategic plan for information technologies (IT) and digital transformation 2023–2026

The strategic plan for information technologies (IT) and digital transformation 2023–2026 was published on 31 January 2025 by Colombia’s Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación (MinCiencias). It outlines a comprehensive approach to modernising institutional processes through strategic information technology (IT) management and digital transformation, aligned with national policies such as the Plan Nacional de Desarrollo 2022–2026 (“Colombia Potencia Mundial de la Vida”).

The strategy aims to align IT with the Ministry’s mission, vision, and institutional objectives by using technology as a key enabler of digital transformation. It builds on a legal and policy framework that includes numerous national regulations and strategies, such as the Política de Gobierno Digital, CONPES 3995 on digital security, and the Modelo Integrado de Planeación y Gestión (MIPG). These frameworks emphasise data governance, interoperability, cybersecurity, digital identity, and user-centric services.

Key components of the PETI include:

• Strategic drivers: These range from the sustainable development goals (particularly SDGs 8, 9, and 17), to Colombia’s national digital and cybersecurity agendas. The plan also considers institutional missions such as bioeconomy, food security, energy transition, public health, and peacebuilding through science and innovation.
• Strategic breaks: PETI seeks to overcome traditional paradigms by positioning IT management as a strategic function, emphasising periodic evaluation, alignment with institutional processes, digital interoperability, data quality governance, cybersecurity preparedness, and staff capacity development.
• Operational model: The plan integrates IT management into broader institutional planning through an ISO 9001:2015-aligned process model, which includes strategic, mission-oriented, support, and evaluation processes. These are digitally supported through various information systems and platforms.
• Digital transformation objectives: These include enhancing citizen trust, enabling open government, optimising public spending on IT, and ensuring all new citizen services are digital by default. Emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, blockchain, and big data are prioritised.
• Governance: A strong emphasis is placed on IT governance to ensure strategic alignment, performance measurement, risk management, and institutional decision-making. Interoperability between internal and external systems is a central goal.

The plan functions both as a roadmap and a governance instrument for digital transformation within MinCiencias. It frames IT not merely as a support function but as a strategic asset aimed at increasing transparency, improving service delivery, and generating public value through innovation.