As we stand here at the close of 2023, I think it’s important to underline the significance of solid digital government frameworks.
When people (or governments) think about digitalisation it’s easy to get swept up in the latest technology and cutting-edge software. Forgetting that these innovations are only as good as the framework supporting them.
I like to explain frameworks as the invisible backbone of a digital government, much like the strong core of a building.
It’s what holds everything together, ensuring that government services and interactions with citizens run smoothly, efficiently, and securely.
So, it’s not just about the technology itself or the number of services available online…a dependable framework is what makes it all work seamlessly.
Now, why do I stress the importance of digital government frameworks?
Well, despite the remarkable technological progress we’ve witnessed, many countries still struggle with inadequate or outdated frameworks.
The consequences of lacking a strong framework are extensive.
Citizens face frustration when accessing government services online, and security risks and data breaches become all too common.
Efficiency takes a hit as government agencies grapple with data silos and inefficiencies in sharing information. Ultimately, the digital experience and user-centricity fall short of its potential.
The US sets out the framework to improve the digital experience
I want to talk about the White House’s ambitious plan for 2024 today.
It recently published Delivering a Digital-First Public Experience policy guidance, which sets out “the pillars of government-wide digital experience”.
Obviously, this vision promises a more user-friendly, intuitive, and secure interaction between the government and its citizens. It’s a bold step. And an important one as well.
Why?
Shockingly, only 2% of government firms have embraced digitisation, and around 45% of federal websites are still not mobile-friendly. Additionally, 60% of federal websites have potential accessibility issues, and a whopping 80% do not use the US Web Design System code. All this, according to federal chief information officer Clare Martorana.
Coordinated progress
As I see it, many US federal government agencies are at different stages of their digital modernisation journey.
Some have made significant strides, while others are just beginning. A crucial question arises: Why is assessing each agency’s progress using the new policy/framework guidance important? The answer lies in its ability to help the government target the right investments effectively.
With the new policy guidance in place, the government can track each agency’s progress. This will help them make the right investments to support digital services, retire old websites and systems, and make the most of taxpayer money. The goal is to create a government that’s secure from the ground up and accessible to everyone.
It’s essential to recognise that these goals can’t be achieved through technology alone, as I’ve mentioned previously. So, how can the federal government support its workforce in building a truly digital government?
Well, the framework proposed should not only set a bold mandate for a digital government but also offer critical support to the federal workforce.
It should mean less red tape, more efficient operations, and the potential to transform the government into a modern powerhouse over the next decade.
Final words…
Some will argue it’s about time the government caught up with the digital age, while others might see it as government overreach. It’s an exciting time for sure, but also one that stirs up some strong opinions. Can the US truly harness the power of technology and deliver a modern, secure digital government that meets the expectations of the American people? That’s the big question on the table.
However, I think that this is a divisive move.
It’s an exciting time for sure, but the real test lies in whether they can effectively harness the power of technology to deliver a modern, secure digital government that truly caters to the needs and expectations of their citizens.
The journey ahead is bound to be a bumpy one, and the ultimate verdict on its success or failure will rest in the hands of time and the collective efforts of those involved.
