Over the past decade, governments around the world have invested heavily in digital transformation, focusing primarily on automating services, moving transactions online, and improving efficiency through technology. While these efforts have undoubtedly enhanced accessibility and reduced bureaucratic friction, they have also revealed the limitations of a purely reactive digital model. Digital services, in their conventional form, still depend largely on citizens initiating requests, submitting applications, or reporting needs. As societies become more complex and data-rich, a more advanced paradigm is emerging: Anticipatory governance, where public institutions act proactively by leveraging integrated data and predictive intelligence to address needs before they fully materialise.
In this Q&A, Ashish Devalekar, business head of Europe & UK at Mphasis, discusses the challenges in implementing AI and digital transformation across the public sector.
Q: You’ve worked with central and local governments to design and integrate citizen benefits. What were the key success factors in delivering this kind of large-scale digital transformation in the public sector?
At Mphasis, our success in delivering large-scale digital transformation for the public sector is underpinned by several key enablers. First, we have adopted a technology-agnostic approach, offering independent, vendor-neutral advice that gives our clients full confidence in our recommendations. This ensures all solutions are in their best interest, free from commercial bias.
Weiterlesen: AI, agility, and accessibility: Rethinking digital transformation in government
The latest report on digital transformation for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), published by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), highlights the crucial role of digital innovation in fostering economic growth, social equity, and environmental sustainability. It outlines a strategic five-pillar framework covering infrastructure, human capital, governance, digital economy, and innovation ecosystems. The report also presents digital roadmaps for key sectors like education, healthcare, finance, and public governance while addressing the digital divide, cybersecurity concerns, and policy challenges. The call to action emphasizes collaboration, investment, and ethical governance to ensure an inclusive digital future.
Weiterlesen: Digital Transformation for Sustainable Development: A Global Roadmap
Local authorities are particularly exposed to cyber-threats, with major risks such as paralysed public services and citizens’ compromised sensitive data. According to a recent study by Cybermalveillance.gouv.fr, although the majority of businesses are aware of the cyber-threat issue, they are still failing to make appropriate investments in their digital security. In 75% of cases, a limited cybersecurity budget makes it difficult to implement effective protections. In addition, the extensive use of personal equipment in the workplace (62%) amplifies the risks by offering new opportunities for cybercriminals to gain access, whether via terminals or the network. In 2024, one local authority in ten said it had been the victim of one or more cyberattacks. These results underline the urgent need to step up efforts to raise awareness and provide support.
Public sector organizations face immense pressure to improve efficiencies in the services they deliver to citizens and businesses.
Budget constraints coupled with growing community expectations provide a mandate for digital modernization initiatives across government agencies.
By leveraging emerging technologies such as cloud computing and artificial intelligence, the public sector may cut costs, expedite operations, and deliver more accessible, tailored services.