Making government a platform is a radical idea, but it’s now becoming a reality. It’s about creating a flexible, adaptable system that allows government services to be built and improved quickly. This concept is based on the principles of open standards, using data wisely, and designing for user needs.
Government as a platform isn’t about centralising everything, but rather creating a common infrastructure that everyone can use. This approach saves money, allows for innovation, and provides better services for users. It’s a shift from large, monolithic systems to smaller, more manageable components that can be reused and repurposed.
Building this kind of platform requires a cultural shift. It means moving away from traditional procurement processes and towards more agile ways of working. It also requires strong leadership and a clear vision. Everyone involved needs to understand the benefits and be committed to making it work.
The UK Government Digital Service (GDS) has been a pioneer in this area. They’ve built a number of platform components, such as GOV.UK Pay and GOV.UK Notify, which are now used by hundreds of services. These platforms have proven to be successful, delivering significant savings and improving user experience.
However, there’s still a long way to go. To truly make government as a platform a reality, we need to continue building on these successes, break down silos, and encourage collaboration across government.
Go to source article: https://public.digital/2018/09/25/making-government-as-a-platform-real/