Report shows government digital maturity around the globe

08 October 2015

Deloitte report shows government digital maturity around the globe

Survey of government officials examines progress and needs for government in the digital realm

A new report from Deloitte, “The Journey to Government’s Digital Transformation,” examines the public sector’s ability to use digital to fundamentally transform services to citizens and offers strategies for government leaders to accelerate the rate of their progress.

The research team surveyed more than 1,200 government officials from more than 70 countries, including New Zealand, and interviewed an additional 130 government leaders and digital experts. The results reveal that while governments across the world are at different stages in the digital transformation process, the large majority are still in the early or developing stages of their digital transitions.

Deloitte partner and public sector lead Dave Farrelly says that the Kiwi survey analysis indicates the New Zealand public sector is slightly ahead of the curve in terms of digital maturity.

“But there are still many obstacles holding us back. In order for digital technology to really take hold government must be willing to collaborate with citizens, corporates and social enterprises to fundamentally re-imagine their services in a digital world,” said Mr Farrelly.

Twelve percent of New Zealand respondents assessed their organisations as being in the “early” stage of their digital journey, while 66% indicated their organisations were “developing” and 22% classified their organisations as “maturing.” This compares to 26%, 60% and 13% respectively from global respondents.

Sixty-four percent of New Zealand respondents reported that their organisations have increased investment in digital initiatives over the last fiscal year compared to only 44% globally. But only 55% (46% globally) reported their organisations as having a clear and coherent digital strategy.

While 52% of New Zealand organisations identify that citizen demand is the key driver for services, only 20% report high citizen involvement in the design of services. This compares to 37% and 13% respectively for global respondents.

Capability and culture are also challenges that lie ahead. And only 42% thought that New Zealand’s public sector leaders and employees have sufficient skills to lead and execute a digital strategy.

“Ultimately, government organisations that achieve success with digital transformation will be more flexible, adapting to the one constant of the new digital age: change itself,” said Mr Farrelly.

To accelerate their digital transformation, Deloitte recommends public sector leaders consider the following five key questions:

• Do we have a clear and coherent digital strategy that addresses the key elements of digital transformation?

• How can citizens and service users be an active part of our digital transformation?

• What have we done to strengthen our organisation’s innovative and collaborative culture?

• Have we looked at our talent pool and planned where we can upskill our current workforce and/or where our skills will come from?

• Are our organisation’s existing procurement processes suitable to procure digital solutions?”

To read or download the full report, “The Journey to Government’s Digital Transformation,” go to http://dupress.com/articles/digital-transformation-in-government/.

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