* By Jamile Sabatini Marques
Brazilian highways are on the cusp of a significant transformation, driven by innovation and connectivity. This shift aims to modernize infrastructure and create a future where technology catalyzes social and economic development, fostering a fairer and more efficient Brazil.
The digital transformation of highways goes beyond simply implementing new technologies. It involves rethinking how we use data to create smart, personalized solutions that meet citizens' needs. According to Nobel Prize winner in Economics Elinor Ostrom, data is a common good—a valuable resource that, when shared and analyzed strategically, drives innovation and efficiency in public administration.
And, in this sense, collaboration is essential to the success of this journey. Involving citizens as co-creators, creating space for active participation and idea sharing, allows the solutions developed to meet the real needs of the population. Collective intelligence can generate surprising results, transforming challenges into opportunities and driving innovation.
The challenges are real. Cybersecurity is a growing concern, and the shortage of qualified professionals in this area demands urgent action. Investment in training programs and strategic partnerships is needed to protect digital infrastructure against threats and vulnerabilities and promote digital inclusion by enabling access to technologies and services.
The opportunities are vast. The implementation of technologies like 5G can revolutionize highway connectivity, enabling the creation of innovative services and improving the user experience. Real-time data analysis optimizes traffic flow, reduces congestion, increases road safety, and can positively impact the volume of pollutant gas emissions. Furthermore, the technology improves resource management, reduces costs, and increases the efficiency of highway operations.
For the digital transformation of highways to be realized, the government must act as a facilitator, creating a regulatory environment conducive to innovation and investment, and fostering collaboration between sectors. Reducing bureaucracy and simplifying processes speeds up the implementation of new technologies and ensures that the benefits reach everyone.
It's important to foster innovation through investments in research and development, as well as tax incentives for companies that develop innovative solutions for the road sector. Risk-sharing between the public and private sectors drives innovation and accelerates digital transformation.
The digital transformation of highways is a promising path toward a more connected, efficient, and safe future. To achieve this future, governments, businesses, and civil society must seek innovative solutions tailored to the needs of each region. Exchanging experiences and sharing knowledge are essential to accelerating digital transformation and ensuring that its advances reach society as a whole.
Finally, the digital transformation of highways must be guided by ethical and responsible principles, preserving data privacy and information security. Transparency and accountability are essential to building public trust in new technologies and ensuring they are used for the common good.
With a joint effort and a clear vision, we can transform Brazilian highways into a model of innovation and efficiency, driving the country's development and improving the lives of all Brazilians.
*Jamile Sabatini Marques is Director of Innovation and Development and Director of the Think Tank – Center for Innovation Intelligence, Public Policies and Innovation of the Brazilian Association of Software Companies – ABES
Notice: The opinion presented in this article is the responsibility of its author and not of ABES - Brazilian Association of Software Companies
Article originally published on the Connected Smart Cities website: https://portal.connectedsmartcities.com.br/2025/05/07/transformacao-digital-nas-rodovias-inovacao-e-conectividade-para-um-brasil-mais-eficiente/
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