Uruguay and Argentina advance smart city and GovTech initiatives

In Uruguay, the municipality of Carmelo has joined the first stage of the Cities for Responsible Artificial Intelligence (CIIAR Uruguay) initiative. Supported by the Local Innovation Network (RIL) and BID Lab through the GovTech Connect program, the project aims to integrate artificial intelligence into local governance to improve public services.

Carmelo, alongside Nueva Palmira and the Intendencia de Colonia, plans to utilize technology to manage citizen complaints, waste collection, and urban forestry. Proposed solutions include digital tools for tracking service requests and sensors to monitor waste container levels to optimize collection routes. Carmelo and Nueva Palmira are also collaborating on a regional citizen service system.

In Argentina, various municipalities are implementing smart city projects focused on mobility, digitalization, and urban management. While Buenos Aires leads in digital modernization, cities such as Córdoba, Mendoza, Rosario, and San Miguel de Tucumán are also developing diverse urban experiences. Experts emphasize that true smart cities must combine technology with strategic urban planning and connectivity to improve residents' quality of life, rather than relying solely on digital platforms.