Open South America

Elements of Innovation

• Data, Research and Technology
• Awareness Raising and Communication
• Regular Pathways

What is the project about?

During the context of the evolving COVID-19 pandemic in South America, complex challenges emerged for the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) State Parties and Associated States. In particular, countries faced the need to find solutions to re-establish border accessibility while also alleviating socio- economic repercussions.

Vis-à-vis this necessity, this project aimed to enhance the capacity of MERCOSUR governments to manage controlled and responsible migration during and immediately after the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak. By furnishing officials with up-to-date data on mobility constraints, health protocols, and safety measures, the project supported policy formulation and regional coordination. Through strategic implementation, including development of operating procedures, training, and multilingual awareness campaigns, the project empowered stakeholders and optimized informed decision-making for the betterment of human mobility in South America.

How is the project innovative?

This project stands out for its innovative approach in harnessing technology across national boundaries to address the complex challenges of migration and mobility management, particularly in the context of the evolving COVID-19 pandemic.

Firstly, it pioneers innovative data collection methods through the development of the Sudamérica Abierta platform and mobile application. This technological infrastructure serves as a centralized repository, systematically collecting and disseminating real-time information on human mobility restrictions, health, and safety measures. By employing comprehensive databases and analytical frameworks, the project offered insights into migration trends and patterns, enabling data-driven decision-making processes.

Secondly, partnerships with the private sector and academia ensured the platform's robustness, security, and compliance with data protection principles, while employing foresight, scenario building, and horizon scanning techniques, fostering a forward-looking perspective in migration and mobility management. Ultimately, the integration of cutting-edge technology, comprehensive data analysis, and strategic partnerships enhanced the capacity of MERCOSUR governments to facilitate safe, orderly, and responsible migration, especially in the landscape shaped by the COVID-19 outbreak.