Pedro Tavares is a expert in digital transformation and innovation, with extensive experience across the public, private, and academic sectors. Currently, he serves as a Senior Digital Governance and Policy Advisor, collaborating with governments and international organizations to advance digital policy and governance frameworks focused on citizen-centered solutions and sustainable innovation. He is a member of the United Nations University AI Global Network, where he contributes his expertise to the development of global AI policies.

Until April 2024, Pedro was the Portuguese Secretary of State for Justice, where he led a comprehensive digital modernization of the justice sector. Under his leadership, Portugal launched Europe’s first Govtech program for Justice, supporting innovation through a fast-paced digital transformation plan in close collaboration with the private sector and academia. A cornerstone of his approach was improving access to justice through innovation, including the strategic use of AI for efficiency gains and a user-specific, citizen-centric approach. His initiatives included substantial investment in skilling and upskilling justice professionals, contributing to a 20% reduction in pending cases, streamlined services for citizens and companies, and enhanced efficiency and transparency through clear communication strategies.

Previously, Pedro served as General Coordinator at eBUPi (Simplified Land Digital Registry Mission Unit), where he led a nationally transformative project in digital land management that used advanced technology, including predictive algorithms and satellite imagery, to map and register Portuguese land. Internationally recognized by the OECD, eBUPi is a model for sustainable land management and policy development.

In earlier roles, he served as an advisor on innovation for the Ministry of Justice, where he managed various transformation projects, including the Justice Innovation Lab. He also contributed to pioneering public innovation initiatives such as the Single ID Card (including e-ID), Citizen One-Stop Shops 2.0, and central government digital services.

His experience extends to leadership roles in several technology companies and consulting firms and a startup that he founded. Pedro has taught at multiple universities and institutions. He holds a master’s degree in Digital Media from Universidade Nova de Lisboa, a postgraduate degree in eBusiness from the Lisbon School of Economics and Management, and a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences from Universidade Nova de Lisboa.