National Development Agency promotes digitization in national companies
The Modo Digital program, promoted by the National Development Agency (ANDE), is aimed at Uruguayan micro, small and medium-sized companies and allows them to implement transformations through digital technologies, with the aim of improving their business performance in sales, employment and productivity. The presentation of the initiative was held in Cologne, and it will be replicated in the rest of the country during 2023.
The president of ANDE, Carmen Sánchez, explained that the Modo Digital program seeks to provide small companies with tools to access digitization. The initiative began to be implemented in the second half of 2022, in conjunction with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
Uruguay is at the global forefront of digitization issues, but is lagging behind in the adoption of solutions of this type by micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MIPYMES), Sánchez assured. He added that only 50%, a few years ago, had a software management or accessed purchases online. “We understand that it is necessary to accompany them, help them manage more efficiently and produce better, through digital programs that incorporate technology,” he said.
In this sense, he indicated that ANDE representatives will tour the country to develop specific activities on the subject in companies and pointed out that this Thursday the 23rd the formal launch will take place in the department of Colonia. Technology providers will attend that will demonstrate effective solutions, panels of experts and there will be presentations on successful experiences of local companies that have incorporated digital alternatives into their business.
The main challenge is to assume that it is not impossible for small businesses to access technology, and to become aware that it is a way to improve productivity, Sánchez assured. In addition, he pointed out that the Modo Digital program provides financing and subsidies to provide solutions that involve an investment for micro-enterprises, in the search to incorporate new technologies.
