A surprising experiment in Albania—appointing an artificial intelligence as a virtual minister overseeing public procurement—opens an important debate about technology and governance. Could algorithms help reduce corruption and improve transparency? The article reflects on the lessons this innovation offers for Colombia and the future of smart government.

LucIA is a generative-AI chatbot designed to make public procurement easier to understand and monitor. By allowing citizens, companies and public officials to interact with complex contract data through natural language, LucIA promotes transparency, strengthens accountability and opens new possibilities for GovTech innovation in public infrastructure oversight.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly entering the public sector, but its value goes far beyond technological trends. This article explores how AI can transform public administration when applied with purpose, ethical governance and institutional capacity, drawing on the perspective of public management expert Concepción Campos and lessons for governments navigating digital transformation.

Smart government goes beyond digitalizing bureaucracy. It combines emerging technologies, open government principles and civic collaboration to solve public problems more effectively. This article explains how smart government can improve transparency, strengthen citizen participation and transform public institutions to deliver better services and public value.