Portugal
Ricardo Rio
192,494 (2011)
Head of Division of Innovation
Improve internal government operations
Anticipate and manage future challenges
Simplify administrative procedures for firms and residents
Generate new sources of revenue
Dedicated funding
Dedicated innovation team
Culture of innovation in city
Leadership from Mayor
Braga hired an external company to audit the operational part of the internal organization. Currently, the company implements a new innovative strategy to solve identified problems within the municipality.
In addition, as part of the municipal budget, Braga allocates substantial funds for innovation to co-operate projects with public enterprises such as the Public Transportation Company (100% owned by the city) and the Waste, Water and Management Company (51% publicly owned).
Note: The City Innovation Snapshot (PDF version) was produced in 2019 and some aggregate findings have been updated with the latest survey results below.
Along with 50% of cities surveyed, Braga does not have an explicit innovation strategy. Similar to more than half of cities surveyed, Braga approaches innovation capacity both from a holistic/macro level, as well as in specific policy areas.
Braga’s dedicated team for innovation is led by the Head of Innovation, Information Systems and Quality. The city also has an external company working on the issue.
Taking risks or testing new ideas
Data-driven analytics/public data management
Engaging residents in new ways
Developing new solutions based on digital technologies
Organizational change within the municipality
Human-centered design
Rethinking your city’s approach to financing partnerships
Its innovation activities also include data-driven analytics; facilitating organizational change within the municipal administration; and rethinking the city’s approach to financing and partnerships.
Like 81% of cities surveyed, Braga has dedicated funding to support innovation capacity.
Braga also invests in digital systems and physical infrastructure.
Braga has developed partnerships to promote its innovation capacity with private firms, not-for-profit organizations, and city residents/resident associations.
To improve data use, the city has also developed data partnerships with private companies, academia and think tanks to collect and analyze data.