Lisbon Metropolitan Area to Launch €1.6 Million Digital Transformation Initiative
The Lisbon Metropolitan Area (AML) has announced a significant step towards regional modernization with the approval of the “AML – Região Inteligente” project, an initiative funded with approximately 1.6 million euros from the European Union's Recovery and Resilience Plan. The project will establish a comprehensive digital infrastructure aimed at improving urban management and public services across fourteen participating municipalities, signaling a major push for digital transformation in the region.
The initiative will be centered around the development of a central urban management platform, which will function as an integrated system for analyzing city data. This core platform will be complemented by several specialized modules, or thematic verticals, designed to address specific municipal challenges. These include modules for managing public housing, preventing floods, monitoring sea-level rise, overseeing public incidents, and enhancing the quality of life for the elderly. Further modules will focus on smart parking and the management of public water, sanitation, and waste services.
This digital transformation is expected to significantly improve the operational efficiency of the participating municipalities. According to the official announcement, the integrated platform will foster better communication and data sharing between local governments, leading to more coordinated and effective regional planning. The project also aims to bring public services closer to residents through the development of dedicated mobile applications and public-access web portals, streamlining interactions with municipal authorities.
The project is the result of a partnership between the AML and the municipalities of Alcochete, Amadora, Loures, Mafra, Moita, Montijo, Odivelas, Oeiras, Palmela, Seixal, Sesimbra, Setúbal, Sintra, and Vila Franca de Xira. The funding and oversight are being managed by the Agência para a Modernização Administrativa (AMA), which guided the development of local and regional action plans for the digital transition. The public tender for the development of the digital platforms is scheduled to be launched shortly.
Officials have confirmed that the project is expected to be fully implemented and operational by the beginning of the second quarter of 2026. A key feature of the system's design is its scalability, which will allow for the future integration of all municipalities across the Lisbon Metropolitan Area. This forward-looking approach ensures that the benefits of the digital ecosystem can be extended throughout the region over time.
A spokesperson for the AML council noted the project's importance for the region's future. “The ‘AML – Região Inteligente’ project is a foundational investment in our region's capacity to innovate and adapt. By creating a shared digital infrastructure, we are empowering our municipalities with the tools they need to address complex challenges, from climate change to housing, in a more integrated and data-informed manner.” The initiative is seen as a critical component of the broader strategy to enhance the Lisbon area's competitiveness and sustainability on the European stage.
The development of this digital ecosystem reflects a growing trend in public administration, where technology is increasingly leveraged to improve governance and service delivery. The project's focus on areas like flood prevention and public housing management directly addresses key concerns for the region's long-term development and resilience. As the project moves into the implementation phase, further details on the specific functionalities and public-facing applications are expected to be released. Stay updated on real estate technology trends at realestate-lisbon.com.
