This Program is designed to empower local government leaders and decision-makers to use data, technology, and artificial intelligence to support more informed, efficient, and transparent public decisions.

In a context where digital transformation is redefining the management of territories and public services, the program develops strategic and analytical skills to integrate data science, information management, and artificial intelligence into the definition, implementation, and evaluation of public policies.

With a practical and international approach, participants explore methodologies and tools that enable the transformation of data into actionable knowledge, promoting smarter, more sustainable governance that is focused on the impact on communities.

Sessions are conducted in Portuguese, except when the participation of The GovLab team requires English.

Key benefits:

• Boosting AI in public administration
• Integrating data into the process of creating, executing and monitoring public policies
• Developing analytical skills with real-life cases
• Contact with experts in smart territories, AI and digital transformation
• Networking and collaboration between political leaders

This program is designed for professionals and decision-makers involved in the development and management of public policies, including:

• Decision-makers from Local and Central Administration
• Public administration managers
• Municipal and regional authorities
• Professionals involved in public innovation
• Experts in public policy and governance
• Consultants in digital transformation

The program combines academic knowledge, technological innovation, and practical application to public governance, preparing participants to use data and artificial intelligence in defining and implementing more effective public policies.

Throughout the program, participants will develop strategic and analytical skills to support evidence-based decisions, explore international best practices in digital transformation in the public sector, and understand the role of data science in territorial management and development.

One of the distinctive components of the program is the immersion week in New York, one of the world's most advanced cities in the use of data for urban governance. During this international experience, participants will have direct contact with leading initiatives, institutions, and projects through briefing sessions and institutional visits.

Organized into working groups, participants will observe and analyze international practices, considering the technical, institutional, and ethical dimensions of data-driven governance. Based on this experience, they will develop a pilot project applied to their territory, aligned with local needs, available resources, and the degree of institutional maturity.

Throughout the program, participants will develop strategic and analytical skills to support evidence-based decisions and explore international best practices in digital transformation in the sector.

Direct contact with other Portuguese policymakers will enable the development of strategies based on benchmark examples, providing a fast track to moving from strategies to actions on the ground.

A program developed by the NOVA Cidade - Urban Analytics Lab that combines data science, public policy, and territorial innovation to support evidence-based decision-making and transform the way we plan and manage cities.

Bridge Room: Hybrid format ensured by the Bridge Room, a pioneering room in Portugal. Pedagogical model aligned with the EDGE pedagogical strategy.

Faculty: Professors with academic and applied experience in urban intelligence, within an institution that includes researchers recognized in the Top 2% Scientists.

Upon completion of the program, participants will be prepared to integrate data and artificial intelligence into decision-making processes and public policy-making, contributing to more efficient, transparent, and evidence-based governance.

The program allows participants to develop strategic and analytical skills that support the modernization of public organizations and the digital transformation of territories, strengthening their ability to design and implement innovative data-driven solutions.

In addition to technical knowledge, participants will strengthen their leadership skills in public innovation contexts, positioning themselves as agents of change in the use of data and technology to improve the management and impact of public policies.

The program consists of two complementary components: six modules focused on the application of data and artificial intelligence to public governance, and an immersive week in New York.

1. Data-Driven Public Policies – designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating public policies in an AI-driven world
2. Data Governance – trust, openness, and accountability in AI-ready data ecosystems
3. Urban Management Platforms and Verticals – Cities and Regions as a Platform: integration layer, data centre, IoT flows, identity and access, APIs
4. Analytics for Government/Governance – from descriptive to predictive and prescriptive analysis, with explicit treatment of uncertainty
5. Technology for Local Governments: Economy, Environment, Mobility – pathway from idea to pilot to scale; theory of action and ethical safeguards
6. Technology for Local Governments: Society, Quality of Life, Governance – social policy and core governance functions; inclusion, legitimacy, and institutional excellence

The program includes a week-long immersion in New York City, from July 5th to 12th, one of the world's most advanced cities in the use of data for urban governance.

During this international experience, participants will have direct contact with leading institutions, experts, and initiatives in the field of data-driven governance through briefing sessions and institutional visits.

Throughout the week, participants will:

• Participate in strategic briefings with experts
• Visit public innovation initiatives and leading projects
  
• Analyze real cases of data-driven governance
  
• Work collaboratively in groups

Based on this experience, participants will develop a pilot project applied to their territory, aligned with local needs, available resources, and the degree of institutional maturity.

• Empower participants to design data- and evidence-based public policies in local and regional contexts
• Develop skills in data governance, open data, and advanced analysis supported by artificial intelligence
• Promote the design, implementation, and evaluation of smart territorial policies and pilot projects focused on public value and equity

Program Schedule

• Part I
  • Mondays from May 18 to June 22
  • 2 PM to 6 PM
• Part II - New York
  • July 5 to 12

Applications

Interested candidates may submit their application here.

Program Start

The first edition will begin on May 18th, 2026.

Investment

The investment for the program is €6,500, which includes participation in all sessions in Portugal and an international experience in New York, with travel, accommodation, transfers, and meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) included.

This international component will provide direct exposure to leading innovation ecosystems, experts, and institutions, strengthening participants’ global perspective on data-driven governance and the use of Artificial Intelligence in public policy.

• Hold a bachelor's degree in a compatible area (completed by March 2026) or have relevant professional experience in the field;

For more information about this course, please contact:

Renata Barateiro

Marketing and Admissions Coordinator for Executive Education
Marketing & Admissions Department

+351 213 828 619

executive@novaims.unl.pt