A crisis in the delivery of digital government services has emerged, necessitating drastic changes. The current approach, involving the replication of existing offline services in an online format, is inherently flawed. A more radical approach, focusing on reimagining services from a digital perspective, is required.
The UK’s Government Digital Service (GDS) has been hailed as a pioneering force in this area, yet it faces significant challenges. The GDS’s primary issue is the lack of digital skills within the wider civil service, which hampers the successful implementation of digital services.
A new approach, focusing on ‘Government as a Platform’ (GaaP), has been proposed. This model involves the creation of a series of digital platforms that can be used by various government departments, reducing duplication and fostering collaboration.
However, GaaP is not without its challenges. It requires a significant cultural shift within government, as well as the development of new skills and capabilities.
The introduction of digital leadership roles, such as Chief Digital Officers, could be a key part of the solution. These roles would help to drive the necessary changes and ensure a consistent approach to digital transformation across government.
In conclusion, while the road to digital government is fraught with challenges, a radical rethink of the current approach could pave the way for a more efficient and effective digital government.
Go to source article: http://diginomica.com/2014/10/24/delivery-crisis-digital-government-demands-radical-change/#.VEqWkIc7Rd-