Future of Public Sector: Embracing Emerging Technologies and User-Centric Approach

As a company with extensive experience in IT and Tech in the last 45 years, we are excited to see the ongoing transformation of the public sector in the United Kingdom. In this article, I will be highlighting the latest trends and emerging technologies that are shaping the public sector and discuss some of the digital transformation efforts going on in key UK government agencies.

One of the most significant trends driving the transformation of the public sector in the UK is the increasing adoption of cloud computing, AI, and cybersecurity. Cloud computing has already saved UK taxpayers an estimated £3.3 billion since 2012, and AI could save the public sector up to £2.6 billion annually by 2030, according to a UK government report. The rising number of cyberattacks has also put cybersecurity at the forefront of the public sector’s concerns, with the UK government investing over £1.9 billion in cybersecurity since 2016.

Cloud computing is the delivery of on-demand computing services such as servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence over the Internet. The benefits of cloud computing include reduced costs, increased scalability, improved performance, and enhanced security. The UK government has been investing heavily in cloud computing, and as a result, it has saved taxpayers billions of pounds while improving service delivery.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is another emerging technology that is transforming the public sector in the UK. AI is the simulation of human intelligence processes by computer systems. AI has the potential to automate routine tasks, improve decision-making, and enhance service delivery. According to a UK government report, AI could save the public sector up to £2.6 billion annually by 2030. The UK government has already launched several initiatives to encourage the adoption of AI in the public sector.

Cybersecurity is another area of growing concern for the public sector in the UK. Cyberattacks are becoming more frequent, sophisticated, and damaging, and they pose a significant threat to the public sector’s operations and service delivery. The UK government has been investing heavily in cybersecurity to protect public services and critical infrastructure. According to the National Cyber Security Centre, the UK government invested over £1.9 billion in cybersecurity between 2016 and 2021.

Another trend we are seeing is a shift towards more collaborative and citizen-centric approaches to service delivery. According to a survey by Deloitte, 82% of UK citizens want to be involved in the design and delivery of public services, indicating a growing demand for user-centred public services. The COVID-19 pandemic has also accelerated the adoption of digital technologies across all sectors, including the public sector, with 54% of UK citizens using online services more frequently, according to a report by the Institute for Government.

In addition to these broader trends, we want to highlight the ongoing digital transformation efforts happening in two key UK government agencies: the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

The DWP’s digital transformation program has focused on improving service delivery for citizens by streamlining processes and reducing administrative burdens. The program has included the development of new digital services such as the Universal Credit system, which has already helped more than 2 million people access financial support during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Similarly, HMRC has been developing new digital services and systems to improve the accuracy and efficiency of tax collection. The department’s Making Tax Digital initiative is an ambitious project that aims to transform the tax system by making it more digital and reducing paperwork. The program has already helped millions of UK citizens and businesses to manage their tax affairs more easily and efficiently.

To sum up, the public sector in the United Kingdom is experiencing a significant transformation fuelled by the adoption of emerging technologies and a desire for more citizen-centric services. The DWP and HMRC’s ongoing digital transformation efforts are excellent examples of how these agencies are utilizing technology to streamline their services and improve their operations. As a tech expert, I’m excited about the future of the public sector in the UK, and I look forward to seeing how these trends and initiatives will continue to shape the sector in the years to come.