The word “reformist” has been widely used by government members. And one of these promised reforms is precisely in public administration, with the creation of Agency for Technological Reform (Art). And it is confirmed who is the person responsible for making this technological revolution in Portugal: Manuel Dias.
The now Director of Public Administration Information Systems and Technologies worked until last week at Microsoft Portugal. It was 15 years in the company, where he held the position of technology director. A few days ago, days announced on Linkedin the farewell of the technology giant.
In the publication, he summed up the activities he performed at Microsoft, citing some of the feats. “Together, we accelerate digital transformation, advanced AI adoption and helped position Portugal closer to the ambitions of the digital decade.”he wrote.
In the “CTO” view of the state the work it developed “was never just about technology – it was about people, purpose and impact.” Without advancement the new post it would occupy, detailed that “the mission continues” and that it follows “Deeply committed to ensuring that AI serves humanity responsibly, enabling people and organizations and helping Portugal to take advantage of the extraordinary opportunities ahead.”.
On Friday, October 3, the name was officially confirmed with approval to the Council of Ministers. “It approved a resolution of the Council of Ministers named Manuel Inácio Vegetas Dias for the position of Director of Public Administration Information Systems and Technologies, in Art – Agency for Technological Reform,” reads in the statement of the Council of Ministers.
According to recent statements by the deputy minister and state reform, Gonçalo Matias, art will have as mission “Ensure interoperability between public administration systems”. Criticism of state computer systems is not uncommon, such as those of the Integration, Migration and Asylum Agency (AIMA).
Degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Instituto Superior Técnico, as well as Microsoft, Manuel Dias has experience as a teacher and passage through Outsystems. In total, it has more than 20 years in the technological sector and in leadership positions. The government has not yet disclosed when the CTO starts functions.