BMDV officials visit Brazil to deepen digital policy cooperation

During their visit, the delegation engaged with multiple stakeholders, including Brazil's government and private sector. The meetings provided insights into the country's digital progress and enabled a fruitful sharing of knowledge and best practices. The delegation also attended events in Rio de Janeiro, Brasília and São José dos Campos.

Attending Web Summit Rio

On 28 April, the delegation attended Web Summit Rio, participating in the panel “AI and the Digital Economy: Balancing Innovation and Responsibility”, in partnership with the Brazilian Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI). As AI becomes increasingly essential to economies worldwide, both countries are advancing regulatory frameworks to ensure responsible development while balancing privacy, security and growth.

This partnership has already led to tangible outcomes, such as Brazil’s launch of the International Data Spaces Association (IDSA) Hub in 2024, supported by the Brazilian Iot Association (ABINC) and the Open Industry Brazil programme, which adapts European data space models to strengthen Brazil’s digital economy.

Both BMDV and MCTI reinforced that AI’s success depends on high-quality, ethically governed data, showcasing a shared commitment to innovation and regulation.

Lunch with parliamentarians

Continuing the visit in Brasília: During a lunch meeting with Brazilian parliamentarians, German, EU and Dutch representatives shared their experiences with the Digital Services Act (DSA) and AI Act, offering key lessons for Brazil’s ongoing digital regulation debates. The DSA enforces platform transparency and risk management, while the AI Act ensures ethical AI development.

Attendees included State Secretary Stefan Schnorr, EU Ambassador Marian Schuegraf as well as Brazilian lawmakers. The exchange highlighted how European frameworks can guide Brazil’s approach to balancing innovation, accountability and user protection in the digital economy.

New initative: Open Industry Brasil

On April 30, São José dos Campos hosted the launch of “Open Industry Brasil,” a new initiative promoting AI and smart manufacturing in Brazil. Led by Brazilian non-governmental and governmental organisations ABINC, ABDI and CNI, the programme focuses on building data spaces – digital environments where companies can safely share and use data – based on global standards. Although still new in Brazil, the concept will be tested through practical projects.

The launch event highlighted the support from the EU and Germany, continuing a growing digital partnership. The goal of the new initiative is to bring together industry, academia and government actors to drive innovation through data.