How could AI improve productivity within the public-sector?
Efficient delivery of public services is vital for economic growth and social well-being, making productivity gains in the public sector critical. Government spending accounts for about one-third of GDP and one in five workers employed globally work in the public sector. So even modest improvements to public-sector effectiveness can yield substantial benefits. Increased productivity enables citizens to lead healthier, more fruitful lives and allows businesses to alleviate pressure on employees by creating greater efficiency and innovation.
Digital-transformation initiatives present promising models for elevating public-sector productivity. Estonia’s e-government system integrates essential services—from banking to social-security applications and tax filing—through a single online platform. Indonesia’s Jakarta Kini (Jaki) “super-app” offers similar access to public services and information, and effectively uses predictive analytics to anticipate flood risks, supporting a preventive approach to dealing with climate threats. Meanwhile, Britain’s £3.4bn investment in health-system digitisation is expected to deliver £35bn in productivity gains by 2030, underscoring the long-term potential of digital solutions. And by linking digital identities across databases, governments can gain demographic insights that allow for data-driven policies, optimised resource allocation and targeted responses to social challenges.
But the path to productivity gains is not without its challenges. Governments face unique constraints—budgets are tight, their risk tolerance is low, and they must uphold stringent regulatory and ethical standards while delivering consistently high-quality services citizens expect. To realise the full potential of digital innovations, public-sector entities must navigate complex legacy systems, upskill their workforces in new technologies, and build or maintain robust digital infrastructure that is secure and trustworthy.
Why Watch
Guiding institutions on their digital transformation journey, “Unlocking global gains: elevating public-sector productivity through digital innovation,” a virtual event sponsored by SAS, will explore the pathways for progress, including change management, infrastructure investment, cybersecurity enhancements and their benefits to citizens and public-sector workers. It will also outline a roadmap for strengthening public-private partnerships to attract investment, discuss the findings of a recent Economist Impact survey sponsored by SAS, and offer actionable recommendations and case studies for effective modernisation.
Discussion points include:
- What lessons can be learned from today’s front runners in public-sector productivity?
- How can the public sector design and build tailored digital solutions that address the needs, risks and challenges of local, regional and national communities?
- How can public-sector workforces be equipped to maximise modern technology outputs?
- How can cost savings reinforce further investment into operational upgrades?
