Harnessing Technology to Modernize Public Administration in Latin America

Abstract

Latin American governments have invested heavily in digital tools, open data portals and online platforms to renew public administration, yet the region still struggles with fragmented services, low trust and persistent inequalities. This paper examines how technology can realistically contribute to modernizing public administration, moving beyond optimistic e-government narratives to focus on institutional capacity, governance arrangements and citizen experience. Drawing on recent literature and emblematic initiatives such as the Montevideo “Por Mi Barrio” app and regional efforts to integrate administrative records on children, we develop an integrative view of how digital technologies interact with organisational routines, legal frameworks and political incentives. The analysis advances three main arguments. First, technology does not automatically improve transparency or efficiency; instead, it tends to amplify existing strengths and weaknesses in public institutions. Second, the most promising initiatives combine robust data infrastructures, clear governance rules and meaningful citizen engagement rather than isolated ICT projects. Third, the coexistence of cutting-edge experiments and deep territorial and social gaps makes questions of equity and inclusion central to any reform agenda. Based on a simple framework that distinguishes between front-office innovation, back-office integration and system-level data governance, the paper offers practical lessons for policymakers on prioritising interoperability and data quality, investing in human capabilities and aligning digital projects with broader governance reforms.