*By Delza Assis
The Brazilian Artificial Intelligence Plan (PBIA) stands as a beacon amid the complexity of the country's digital transformation, especially regarding the application of artificial intelligence in public administration. With a continental territory and vast amounts of government data, Brazil has the opportunity to revolutionize public administration, making it more efficient, transparent, and accessible. The PBIA not only recognizes this potential but also charts a clear path for AI to be an ally in building a more agile, citizen-centric state.
The idea of using AI to optimize processes and improve public services isn't new, but it's taking on urgent importance in a country where bureaucracy and slowness still hinder development. Imagine a healthcare system that predicts disease outbreaks in advance, allowing for strategic resource allocation; or an educational platform that personalizes instruction according to each student's needs. These are just some of the possibilities offered by AI, and PBIA places them at the center of its strategy, with robust investments and a clear vision for the future.
The plan emphasizes the importance of immediate and structural actions, balancing short-term solutions with building solid foundations for the medium and long term. In the short term, pilot projects can demonstrate the value of AI in critical areas such as healthcare, security, and education, generating tangible results within months. Structural actions, which receive the majority of investments, focus on creating the necessary conditions for AI to flourish in the public sector, from training professionals to developing national technological infrastructure.
One of the most promising aspects of PBIA is its emphasis on participatory governance, which involves not only the government but also academia, the private sector, and civil society. This collaborative approach is essential to ensuring that AI solutions are developed ethically, transparently, and responsibly, avoiding bias and protecting citizens' privacy. After all, AI is not an end in itself, but a tool to improve people's lives.
For PBIA to reach its potential, however, it is important to overcome historical challenges, such as data fragmentation among public agencies and resistance to cultural change. System interoperability and public servant training are fundamental steps in this journey. Furthermore, it is necessary to ensure that AI solutions are inclusive, meeting the needs of all regions of the country, especially those most under-resourced.
The Brazilian public sector is at a crossroads. It can remain stuck with outdated models or embrace AI as an ally in the modernization of the State. The PBIA offers a clear roadmap for this transformation, but success will depend on the execution capacity and commitment of all involved. If well implemented, the plan will not only make public services more efficient but will also place Brazil at the forefront of government innovation, demonstrating to the world that technology can indeed be a force for the common good.
The time to act is now. The future of the Brazilian public sector depends on the choices we make today. And the PBIA is undoubtedly a step in the right direction.
*Delza Assis, Institutional Relations at 1Doc
Notice: The opinion presented in this article is the responsibility of its author and not of ABES - Brazilian Association of Software Companies
EN 
PT 
