Technology improvements and investment are needed if UK public sector organizations are to achieve their targets for the coming year, according to analysis by Scott Logic, a specialist software consultancy. The research found that the public sector should increase investment in technology to reduce the growing backlog and increase overall productivity.
Scott Logic has pinpointed four key areas that public sector organizations must commit to improving – AI and automation, cyber security and data, delivering digital services by design and addressing legal constraints.
Commenting on the findings, Stephen Foreshew-Cain, CEO of Scott Logic, said: “We know where the work needs to be focused; for example, AI and automation tools can be used as chatbots across multiple departments to address citizen queries.”
Organizations need to invest in AI and automation tools to reduce costs, says Scott Logic. For example, tools can be deployed to streamline and streamline routine office or back-end processes, which could reduce the need for manual work.
AI systems can also be used to improve decision making, providing better data analysis and insights to help leaders and teams. In addition, artificial intelligence can adapt services to individual needs, personalize public services and improve user experience.
Foreshew-Cain also emphasizes the importance of investing in cybersecurity and data. “Cybersecurity and data robustness must also be top of mind, especially with the ever-increasing reliance on digital systems. The public sector will only face further threats from hostile actors around the world and it is imperative that we are fully protected.”
Implementing stronger cybersecurity strategies is critical to protecting sensitive data and maintaining the integrity of critical systems in 2025, the company says.
Digital-by-design service delivery is another key area to address, according to Foreshew-Cain. “Also, a renewed focus on digital service delivery by design will enable faster roll-out of new services such as digital healthcare platforms or real-time tracking of financial support.”
There is already a growing demand for more digital public services that favor an emphasis on interoperability, automation and user-centric designs. The report found that such services should focus on areas including testing, policy making and service automation, but also include the needs of anyone without access to digital platforms.
Addressing legacy constraints is the fourth key area for public sector organizations to focus on, according to Foreshew-Cain. “Ultimately, and more broadly, we hope that 2025 will be a year in which the public sector looks forward, rather than backward, and seeks to address its existing constraints.”
Foreshew-Cain says the public sector should move beyond antiquated systems that are holding back progress, some of which are “up to four decades old”. He said “decision makers need to focus on multi-cloud and hybrid cloud environments to support broader transformation efforts.”
Updating legacy systems may seem daunting, but “incremental migration roadmaps” can help make the move to cloud technologies manageable and cost-effective. Foreshew-Cain says it’s time for the public sector to “seize the potential of technology and look ahead”.
“With the economic climate causing a degree of caution in spending, 2025 must be the year the public sector embraces the potential of technology to do more with less. By strategically investing in common platforms and the right tools, the public sector can break down silos, increase productivity and deliver fairer, better and more robust services to UK citizens.”
With a proactive approach, such as moving from analogue processes to digital systems, 2025 can be the year the public sector turns economic challenges into opportunities for long-term transformation.
Image source: “Glebe Town Hall c.1880” by Balmain & Glebe Heritage is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
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