On Thursday, August 1st, we had the honor of hosting a delegation from Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communication, and Information Technology (MTCIT) as part of their study visit to Portugal. This visit aimed to foster knowledge exchange and explore the digital transformation initiatives implemented in Portugal.
Visit Overview
Firstly, the Omani delegation visited IMT (Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes). This provided insights into the digital transformation within the transport sector. IMT's advanced digital initiatives in mobility and transportation management offered valuable lessons on improving efficiency, safety, and user experience through technology. This visit enabled the delegation to understand the practical applications of digital governance in a critical sector, aligning with their objectives to enhance digital services in Oman.
Before coming to Guimarães, the delegation learned about AMA, Portugal’s Agency for Administrative Modernization. AMA plays a crucial role in streamlining government processes and enhancing public services through innovative digital solutions, providing the delegation with firsthand insights into effective digital transformation strategies.
The delegation's visit to UNU-EGOV began with a session where we introduced UNU and our unit, highlighting our expertise and significant contributions to digital governance. This was followed by a presentation on digital trends across Europe, focusing on Portugal, Spain, Denmark, and Estonia.
To conclude the visit, they were received at DTX – CoLab, a collaborative innovation laboratory, that offered an invaluable opportunity to explore cutting-edge technologies and collaborative approaches that drive digital transformation.
These visits were instrumental in equipping the delegation with practical knowledge and best practices essential for advancing Oman’s digital governance initiatives.
The primary goals of the delegation's visit included:
- Exploring the successful digital transformation practices in both the public and private sectors in Portugal.
- Understand the digital government standards and services.
- Learn from the successful implementation of digital services.
- Identifying best practices and sectorial implementation approaches.
- Understand the implementation approach of government digital platforms.
- Understand SIMPLEX program, its approach and its outcomes.
- Change management activities and approaches deemed successful in the Portuguese context.
- Discuss challenges faced and solutions.
- Understand the implementation of digital transformation in the transport sector, ports, logistical hubs and associated sectors.
Delegation Members
- Dr. Nasser Masaaod Hammad Al Khayari - Director of MTCIT Digital Transformation Team
- Mr. Aisha Maktoom Nasser Al Rashdi - Assistant Director of Operation Excellence Department and Digital Transformation Team Member
- Ayman Rashid Salim Al Maamari - Director of Maritime Legislation Department, Digital Transformation Team Member