| Work Detail |
The Argentine startup Ethix developed an innovative platform that uses artificial intelligence to audit public works bidding processes across the country. This tool analyzes bidding documents, detects risk patterns, and cross-references regulatory data to identify irregularities early, proposing a new oversight standard in public contracting. Based on its analysis, Ethix compiled a provincial transparency ranking that reveals profound disparities. Formosa tops the list for opacity, followed by Tucumán and San Juan, while Mendoza and the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires lead the way in transparency. The study considered five criteria: access to information legislation, ease of consulting tenders, digitalization of processes, history of corruption, and active transparency policies. In provinces like Formosa, where there is no specific legislation or updated bidding platforms, the public procurement process remains opaque and poorly auditable. In contrast, Mendoza and Buenos Aires City have accessible digital platforms, citizen reporting systems, and agile mechanisms for investigating irregularities, allowing for more effective control of public spending and fostering competition among companies. The report emphasizes that technology alone does not guarantee transparency: its effectiveness depends on political will. Jurisdictions that combine clear regulations, digitalization, and citizen participation have managed to create environments where corruption finds less room to thrive. Without these elements, public procurement remains vulnerable to misappropriation and discretionary practices. Finally, Ethix highlights the need to move toward a complete digitalization of the public procurement cycle, accompanied by open data and active social oversight. The app is not intended to replace state oversight or investigative journalism, but rather to offer another tool to democratize access to information and strengthen citizen trust in the management of public resources. |
