Panaji: Goa Industrial Development Corporation (Goa-IDC) has launched OPEN (Open Platform for Enterprise Network) – India’s first Digital Public Good for Industry Governance, a cutting-edge open-source software platform designed to transform industry governance by simplifying, digitizing, and standardizing Government-to-Business (G2B) transactions. The formal launch marked a significant milestone in Goa’s journey toward enhancing the Ease of Doing Business and fostering a vibrant industrial ecosystem. The announcement was held in the presence of Shri Alexio Lourenco Reginaldo, Chairman, Goa-IDC, and Shri Pravimal Abhishek, Managing Director, Goa-IDC.
As part of the highly anticipated launch of its new OPEN portal, the Goa Industrial Development Corporation (Goa-IDC) also announced the availability of 20 industrial plots at Verna Industrial Estate and 9 commercial plots for auction, offering unparalleled opportunities for the establishment of industrial and commercial enterprises. The new portal, designed to enhance transparency and efficiency, will streamline the process for interested investors, making it easier than ever to access and bid for these prime properties.
The OPEN platform, developed by Goa-IDC, leverages DIGIT—a United Nations-certified Digital Public Good (DPG)—to deliver a streamlined, technology-driven solution that adheres to global standards for privacy, interoperability, and scalability.
The development of OPEN was driven by insights gathered during the 2023 IDC-Connect programs organized by Goa-IDC at the 24 Industrial Estates, where businesses emphasized the need for digital solutions to improve the efficiency and transparency of industry-related processes. Responding to this feedback, Goa-IDC embarked on a mission to create a transformative governance tool designed to reduce the time, paperwork, and steps involved in availing services.
The launch of OPEN also resonates with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of minimum government, maximum governance, and his emphasis on using technology as a driver of efficiency, transparency, and innovation. The Prime Minister’s focus on initiatives like Digital India and Make in India has inspired state governments to embrace technology-led reforms to simplify industrial processes and attract investments. OPEN embodies this vision by providing businesses with a user-friendly, transparent, and efficient platform that significantly reduces bureaucratic hurdles, enabling industries to grow and contribute to India’s economic aspirations.
Speaking at the launch, Shri Alexio Lourenco Reginaldo, Chairman of Goa-IDC, highlighted the significance of the new OPEN portal as the first-of-its-kind Digital Public Good for industry governance. “OPEN reflects our commitment to innovation and accessibility. This platform simplifies the way businesses interact with Goa-IDC, making it easier for enterprises—especially first-time entrepreneurs—to thrive in Goa’s industrial landscape,” he said.
OPEN also aligns with the United Nations Roadmap for Digital Cooperation, which defines Digital Public Goods as open-source software, open standards, and open content that promote the attainment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By adopting this approach, Goa-IDC aims to set a benchmark for industry governance across India.
OPEN is built on a microservices architecture, ensuring agility, flexibility, and scalability. The platform currently integrates six key modules:
- Estate Management: Streamlining land allotment and property-related services.
- Legal Module: Simplifying legal processes and case management.
- Payments: Facilitating secure and transparent financial transactions.
- OBPAS (Online Building Plan Approval System): Digitizing the building approval process for industries.
- Engineering Module: Optimizing infrastructure development and maintenance.
- Dashboards: Providing real-time insights for data-driven decision-making.
The launch of OPEN reaffirms Goa-IDC’s dedication to driving digital transformation and fostering a business-friendly environment. With its robust features and future-ready architecture, OPEN positions Goa as a trailblazer in industry governance, paving the way for sustained economic growth and industrial development.
