Portugal is the Official Partner Country of Smart Country Convention 2026. From 13 to 15 October 2026, the Southern European hidden champion will showcase its digital solutions and initiatives for the public sector at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds. In 2025, Portugal was ranked third in the OECD Digital Government Index, underlining its position as one of the world's leading nations in digital government.

Portuguese Minister Gonçalo Saraiva Matias on Stage

Gonçalo Saraiva Matias, Portugal’s Minister in the Cabinet of the Prime Minister and for State Reform, will open Smart Country Convention 2026 together with Germany’s Federal Minister for Digitalisation, Dr. Karsten Wildberger, on 13 October 2026. Minister Gonçalo Saraiva Matias emphasizes Portugal’s commitment to sharing its experience in digital transformation:

“Portugal is honored to be the Official Partner Country of the Smart Country Convention 2026. Our close cooperation with Germany reflects a shared commitment to modernising the State through simplification and digitalisation. Portugal’s experience shows that digital transformation can make public services more accessible, efficient and trusted by citizens while strengthening economic competitiveness. The Smart Country Convention is a unique opportunity to exchange ideas, showcase successful solutions and shape the future of digital government in Europe.”

The German Federal Minister for Digitalisation Dr. Karsten Wildberger underlines the importance of exchange and knowledge transfer at Smart Country Convention 2026:

„As patron of Smart Country Convention 2026, it is a great honor to welcome Portugal as Official Partner Country and to jointly open this year’s event. Portugal stands out as one of Europe’s leading examples of the successful digital transformation of government and public administration. We look forward to a unique exchange of ideas and best practices, strengthening our partnership.”

Hidden Champion in Public Sector Digitalization

Portugal has made remarkable progress in the digital transformation of government and public administration in recent years. In the OECD Digital Government Index 2025, the country ranked third worldwide, climbing from 11th place to the global podium within just two years. Portugal is also leveraging digital innovation to strengthen its position in the international competition for talent and investment. The country is currently home to twelve technology and startup hubs that rank among the 150 best in Europe. At the same time, Portugal continues to expand its digital public services. Through the Gov.pt app, citizens can now store and use 16 official documents in digital format.

Bitkom President Dr. Ralf Wintergerst: "Germany has shifted into a higher gear when it comes to modernizing the public sector. To maintain the pace of implementation, we do not need to reinvent everything from scratch; instead, we can exchange ideas with our European partners and learn from one another. The Smart Country Convention makes this exchange possible, and that is precisely why it is so important for the digital transformation of public administration in Germany."

Portugal at Smart Country Convention 2026

More than 23,000 experts from government, business, academia, and public administration gather at Smart Country Convention from 13 to 15 October 2026 at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds. Across seven stages, attendees can expect more than 800 speakers sharing best practices and innovative approaches to the digital transformation of the public sector. Portugal will be represented with its own exhibition booth and a wide range of contributions to the conference programme.

Dr. Mario Tobias, CEO Messe Berlin says: „With Portugal, Smart Country Convention is welcoming a strong partner that is setting standards for digital government and innovative public services across Europe. We are very much looking forward to creating a joint platform that inspires dialogue, fosters collaboration, and generates new momentum for a modern, digital Europe.”

Free tickets for Smart Country Convention 2026 are now available via the online ticket shop.