Govtech ecosystems, defined as ecosystems composed of startups, scale-ups and digital SMEs with solutions developed for public institutions, are already a reality in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). These governments need innovation, technology, and new ideas to be able to respond to the expectations of their citizens, an especially urgently need in the current pandemic … [Read more...] about Govtech Ecosystems in Latin America: innovation focused on improving services to citizens
Emerging cities
Latin America and the Caribbean is the second most urbanized region on the planet, with 8 out of 10 people living in cities. Between 1950 and 2014, the region was urbanized at an unprecedented rate, its urban population increased from 50 to 80 percent (as a percentage of the total); a figure that is expected to reach 86 percent in 2050. Moreover, regional economic growth was mainly developed in medium-sized cities, which are expanding exponentially. How to accompany the growth of these cities? Learn more by reading our blog and downloading this publication.
How to improve urban planning and water governance by strengthening water management in cities?
On the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, we want to get close to the metropolitan area of Lima and Callao. Here, the competent authorities are acting to tackle the shortage of water that affects to a large part of its population. This problem, although it is being worsen by the effects of climate change, has its origin in past poor water and urban … [Read more...] about How to improve urban planning and water governance by strengthening water management in cities?
The Power of Urban Storytelling
Over the past few months, as the initial shock of the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, urbanists around the world have begun the process of reimagining what cities can and should look like post-pandemic. At the IDB Cities Network, several of our webinars in our series focused on municipal management of the COVID-19 pandemic in Latin America and the Caribbean focused on the future of … [Read more...] about The Power of Urban Storytelling
10 reasons why Heerenstraat Festival is not just a festival
Heerenstraat Festival is a place of encounter to celebrate the living heritage of Paramaribo’s city center. The first edition of the Festival took place between September 30th and October 6th 2019 on the streets of Paramaribo’s city center, a World Heritage Site (WHS). The IDB in coordination with the Ministry of Education and Culture of Suriname partnered with The Back Lot … [Read more...] about 10 reasons why Heerenstraat Festival is not just a festival
Urban experiments in historic downtowns: Local identity and innovation for a more sustainable cultural heritage
Why pursue urban experiments in historic downtowns? It might seem counterintuitive picking the most consolidated areas of the city for experiments. However, the historic downtowns often face obsolescence processes that translate into decay, abandonment, overcrowding, or underuse[1]. Urban experimentation breaks the inertia of such longstanding processes, transforming the … [Read more...] about Urban experiments in historic downtowns: Local identity and innovation for a more sustainable cultural heritage