Authors:
Caitlin Mulholland (PUC-Rio)
Gilberto Martins de Almeida (PUC-Rio)
Digital transformation has established itself as one of the main drivers of economic and social development in the 21st century, redefining the dynamics of production, consumption, and governance on a global scale. Digital transformation refers to the “process of adoption of digital tools and methods by an organization, typically those that have either not been including the digital factor as part of their core activities or have not kept up with the pace of change in digital Technologies”. Digital infrastructure, connectivity, the platform economy, and the circulation of data have become strategic assets for countries’ competitiveness, while also generating new challenges in terms of regulation, sovereignty, inclusion, and the protection of fundamental rights. When it comes to regulation, the biggest challenge is for a country to set limits on the use and application of technology without discouraging technological advancement. In turn, the issue of sovereignty—now digital—implies the necessary protection of a country and its economy against the monopoly of digital development means, such as digital infrastructure. In this scenario, both Africa and Latin America face similar dilemmas: how to structure digital policies capable of driving innovation and economic growth, reducing social inequalities, and ensuring that the digital transition occurs in a fair, inclusive, and sustainable manner.
O projeto de pesquisa sobre Cooperação África-América Latina vem sendo desenvolvido pelo ILAM desde 2024. Tem o objetivo de estudar a realidade e as possibilidades de cooperação entre as duas regiões em seis áreas: Segurança, Construção da Democracia e Direitos Humanos, Governança Digital, Meio Ambiente, Desenvolvimento, Financiamento Sustentável e Saúde.
Visamos compreender a cooperação inter-regional, entre atores estratégicos das duas regiões e dentro de esferas multilaterais. Nosso objetivo é produzir conhecimento sobre o tema e gerar redes de pesquisadores e atores governamentais e da sociedade civil que possam incentivar o debate, produzir novas ideias e propostas de políticas públicas nestes campos.
O projeto é financiado pelo IDRC (International Development Research Center) do Canada.