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Written by Claire McNally, Digital Transformation Services Lead, Neueda

The unfolding COVID-19 pandemic has presented fresh challenges for public sector organisations. As a result, many have accelerated operational changes, which would have taken years to implement under normal circumstances, in a matter of weeks.

The public sector, with its additional policy and economic obstacles, has faced the biggest test, with the pandemic taking the provision of digital services to new levels. Research from NHS Digital revealed that 38 per cent of citizens increased their use of NHS digital services since the start of the coronavirus outbreak, with usage of the NHS App growing by 111 per cent in March, compared to February.

The demand and growth for digital Government services, coupled with incorporating remote working into everyday operations, means digital transformation is no longer a matter of innovation. Instead, it’s a mandatory process to ensure operational efficiency, scalability and improved service delivery that’s in line with evolving technologies and tech-savvy user expectations.

Still a challenge

Although digital transformation is a more pressing issue than ever, it doesn’t mean the process is any less challenging in the public sector. The unique issues arising from the pandemic add to the perennial obstacles already standing in the way of progress. Such common barriers include:

• A lack of a clear vision for digital transformation
• Resistance to change
• Ineffective data; inflexible technology and development processes
• Legacy systems that stifle digital progress

All too often, technology is treated as separate to an organisation’s overall strategy, the business and user needs.  Digital transformation isn’t simply about looking at what you do and identifying how tech can replace that. Nor is it about acquiring more technology for the sake of it.

In reality, strategy and technology are interlinked and, as such, digital transformation must assess the business, the applications required to run that business, the data that will be needed to support and develop the business and the technology required to support all of this. Ensuring that these elements are all addressed will deliver a digital transformation far greater than the sum of its parts.

Originally posted here

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