José Manuel Bolieiro highlights importance of digital transformation and AI for “efficiency and transparency” - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, emphasised in Ponta Delgada the importance of the digital transition and artificial intelligence as “fundamental tools” to improve public administration efficiency, enhance transparency and promote scrutiny of the use of public resources.

José Manuel Bolieiro spoke at the opening session of the International Seminar on “Public Audit and Artificial Intelligence.” The event was organised by the European Organisation of Regional External Public Finance Audit Institutions (EURORAI), in conjunction with the Azores Regional Section of the Court of Auditors, at the Azoris Royal Garden.

The head of the Azorean Government emphasised that “digital transformation is now an inescapable reality on a global scale,” with a growing impact on public administrations. It is of particular relevance in an archipelago region such as the Azores.

The geographical dispersion of the nine islands, the distances involved and the need to ensure decentralised public services make digitalisation particularly important for bringing citizens and institutions closer, simplifying procedures and ensuring faster and more effective responses.

According to José Manuel Bolieiro, digital transition has been a priority for the Government, enabling it to “transform dispersion into unity” and turn distance into an opportunity to bring the administration closer to citizens.

The President of the Regional Government also emphasised that “the growing digital transition and dematerialisation of administrative processes, accompanied by an ever-increasing volume of information and data, opens up new possibilities for monitoring, oversight and control of public activity.”

In this regard, he highlighted artificial intelligence as “an essential tool for the productivity and efficiency of processes and procedures,” with the potential to support the work of audit institutions and ensure public expenditure complies with legal provisions, including the Court of Auditors.

However, José Manuel Bolieiro defended that “the use of these new technological tools must be accompanied by the indispensable human judgement.” In this regard, he noted that artificial intelligence “does not replace natural intelligence,” particularly when there are decisions at stake that require judgement, interpretation and an understanding of specific realities.

The seminar brought together representatives and experts from public audit institutions, providing a space for reflecting and sharing experiences on the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence in the audit of public finances.

Established in 1992, EURORAI comprises around a hundred institutions from 17 countries. Its mission is to promote cooperation, training and exchange of knowledge in public audit. The Azores and Madeira Regional Sections of the Court of Auditors have been associate members of the organisation since 1993.

The session was also attended by Filipa Calvão, President of the Court of Auditors, Cristina Flora, Judge of the Azores Regional Section of the Court of Auditors, and Charles Pict, President of EURORAI, amongst other figures and representatives from public finance audit and control institutions.