09/05/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 09/05/2024 05:37
A smarter state is the future of government and public services. The vision of a data-driven, smarter state uses data to enhance decision-making, streamline operations, and improve service delivery to create a more connected, efficient, and citizen-focused government. But there are significant challenges to be overcome before we can get there; challenges that will need an industry-wide, collaborative approach. But firstly, what does a smarter state actually look like?
A smarter state is built on the idea that data is not simply a byproduct of public sector activities; but rather a strategic asset that can be leveraged for proactive innovation and efficiency. It involves creating a connected ecosystem where data flows seamlessly across government departments, local authorities, and trusted partners across the public and private sectors. The goal is to use this connected data to drive better policies, increase productivity, and improve public services
Connected data: Government agencies tend to operate independently, which results in valuable data locked away in different departments. A smarter state connects this data, enabling real-time insights and predictive governance. By breaking down these silos and encouraging data sharing between organisations, governments can create a unified view to power more informed decision-making and supercharge service delivery.
Proactive, predictive services: A more innovative, smarter state uses data analytics and AI to predict problems and trends and plan for proactive activity. For example, predictive models can be used in healthcare to anticipate disease outbreaks or in transport to foresee congestion and optimise traffic flow. This helps government agencies to "invest to save" by tackling problems in their infancy, and accurately allocating resources.
Citizen-centric approach: A truly smarter state has the citizen at the heart of service design and delivery. Data is used to deliver personalised services and provide citizens with seamless, intuitive interactions across government departments. Whether it's tailored healthcare recommendations or more efficient public transport routes, data-driven services are designed around the needs and preferences of the people they serve.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a crucial enabler of a smarter state, but not always in the ways you'd imagine. AI is already expanding rapidly within public services, with a whole range of use cases. From an efficiency and productivity perspective, AI can process vast amounts of data very quickly, deliver actionable insights and automate routine tasks. This has the double benefit of improving productivity rates and freeing public sector teams to focus on more strategic activity.
On the more exciting and innovative front, in emergency management we've seen AI-driven analytics that provide real-time information on critical infrastructure status during natural disasters, to power quicker and more effective responses. And in the criminal justice system, AI is already being used to analyse data patterns to predict and prevent crime, improving safety in our communities.
On the road to more data-driven public services, there are several obstacles that need to be overcome. It is only in recognising these challenges, and planning for them, that we can hope to build a smarter state in the UK.
Data sharing
One of the biggest requirements for building a smarter state is the ability to share data. The UK Government's National Data Strategy highlights the need for better data-sharing frameworks, standardised data formats, and a cultural shift towards openness and collaboration. However, concerns over privacy and security are hampering collaboration and limiting the effectiveness of public services.
Data standards
For effective data sharing, there must be consistency in how data is collected, stored, and managed. This needs standards agreed across all levels of government and private sector partnerships. Without these standards, the shared data can be unreliable or incompatible, leading to poorer outcomes for citizens.
Skills and workforce readiness
Building a smarter state requires a digitally literate workforce. The UK Government's recent £7.4m AI Upskilling fund for SMEs is a step in the right direction. After the pilot, it would be great to see the new Labour Government focus on upskilling public sector employees to work with advanced analytics, AI, and data science. There's a need to attract and retain talent in the public sector that is capable of driving these initiatives forward. Governments must invest in training programmes and develop career paths that appeal to top talent in the digital and data fields.
Building public trust
Data and AI can only be transformative if citizens trust that their information is being used responsibly and ethically. Ensuring transparency in collecting, storing, and using data is vital to building this trust. Governments must establish clear guidelines and governance frameworks that protect privacy and prevent data misuse. This includes engaging citizens in discussions about how their data is used and giving them control over what is shared.
The journey to a smarter state is complex but achievable. In my opinion, the following steps are crucial to guide the transformation:
Develop a unified data strategy
A comprehensive data strategy should underpin the multifaceted approach needed to create a smarter state. This strategy should prioritise interoperability, standardisation, and data quality while setting explicit objectives for data sharing and collaboration between agencies.
Foster cross-sector partnership
Collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential for driving government innovation. By working together, both sectors can leverage each other's strengths - whether it's the agility of private enterprises or the reach of public services - to create more impactful solutions.
Promote open data initiatives
Making non-sensitive government data available can drive innovation and create new opportunities for businesses and citizens. Open data can lead to the development of new products and services that benefit society, from health apps to innovative city solutions.
Invest in AI and analytics infrastructure
To unlock the full potential of data, governments need to invest in robust AI and analytics infrastructure. This includes cloud-based platforms, high-performance computing, and scalable data storage solutions that can handle the growing volume and complexity of data.
Implement ethical AI and data governance: Establishing robust governance frameworks ensures data is used ethically and responsibly. This includes setting up independent oversight bodies, establishing ethical guidelines for AI, and ensuring compliance with data protection laws.
A data-driven, smarter state is within reach but requires collaborative efforts across government, industry, and society. By embracing connected data, harnessing the power of AI, and addressing challenges around standards, skills, and trust, we can create a future where public services are more efficient, effective, and responsive to citizens' needs. The road ahead may be challenging, but the reward of better outcomes for all makes the journey well worth it.
Building the Smarter State is techUK's flagship public services conference for public sector digital leaders. 2024 marks the tenth anniversary of this hugely influential conference, where we will focus on the most pressing and important topics for public sector digital transformation.
Head of Central Government Programme, techUK
Heather is Head of Central Government Programme at techUK, working to represent the supplier community of tech products and services to Central Government.
Prior to joining techUK in April 2022, Heather worked in the Economic Policy and Small States Section at the Commonwealth Secretariat. She led the organisation's FinTech programme and worked to create an enabling environment for developing countries to take advantage of the socio-economic benefits of FinTech.
Before moving to the UK, Heather worked at the Office of the Prime Minister of The Bahamas and the Central Bank of The Bahamas.
Heather holds a Graduate Diploma in Law from BPP, a Masters in Public Administration (MPA) from LSE, and a BA in Economics and Sociology from Macalester College.
Email:[email protected]LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-cover-kus-ba636538Programme Manager, Central Government, techUK
Ellie joined techUK in March 2018 as a Programme Assistant to the Public Sector team and now works as a Programme Manager for the Central Government Programme.
The programme represents the supplier community of technology products and services in Central Government - in summary working to make Government a more informed buyer, increasing supplier visibility in order to improve their chances of supplying to Government Departments, and fostering better engagement between the public sector and industry. To find out more about what we do, how we do this and how you can get involved - make sure to get in touch!
Prior to joining techUK, Ellie completed Sixth Form in June 2015 and went on to work in Waitrose, moved on swiftly to walking dogs and finally, got an office job working for a small local business in North London, where she lives with her family and their two Bengal cats Kai and Nova.
When she isn't working Ellie likes to spend time with her family and friends, her cats, and enjoys volunteering for diabetes charities. She has a keen interest in writing, escaping with a good book and expanding her knowledge watching far too many quiz shows!
Email:[email protected]Phone:020 7331 2015Twitter:@techUK,@techUKWebsite:www.techuk.org,www.techuk.orgLinkedIn:https://bit.ly/3mtQ7Jx,https://bit.ly/3mtQ7JxProgramme Manager, Cyber Security and Central Government, techUK
Annie joined techUK as the Programme Manager for Cyber Security and Central Government in September 2023.
Prior to joining techUK, Annie worked as an Account Manager at PLMR Healthcomms, a specialist healthcare agency providing public affairs support to a wide range of medical technology clients. Annie also spent time as an Intern in an MPs constituency office and as an Intern at the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed.
Annie graduated from Nottingham Trent University, where she was an active member of the lacrosse society.
Email:[email protected]Twitter:anniecollings24LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-collings-270150158/Programme Manager, Central Government, techUK
Austin joined techUK's Central Government team in March 2024 to launch a workstream within Education and EdTech.
With a career spanning technology, policy, media, events and comms, Austin has worked with technology communities, as well as policy leaders and practitioners in Education, Central and Local Government and the NHS.
Cutting his teeth working for Skills Matter, London's developer community hub, Austin then moved to GovNet Communications where he launched Blockchain Live and the Cyber Security and Data Protection Summit. For the last 3 years he has worked with leaders in Education across the state and independent schools sectors, from primary up to higher education, with a strong research interest in technology and education management.
Email:[email protected]Phone:07891 743 932Website:www.techuk.org,www.techuk.orgLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-spencer-earl/,https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-spencer-earl/Team Assistant, Markets, techUK
Ella joined techUK in November 2023 as a Markets Team Assistant, supporting the Justice and Emergency Services, Central Government and Financial Services Programmes.
Before joining the team, she was working at the Magistrates' Courts in legal administration and graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2022. Ella attained an undergraduate degree in History and Politics, and a master's degree in International Relations and Security Studies, with a particular interest in studying asylum rights and gendered violence.
In her spare time she enjoys going to the gym, watching true crime documentaries, travelling, and making her best attempts to become a better cook.
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CEO, Modular Data