Entering 2024, Socitm’s Public Sector Digital Trends report has offered us valuable insights, serving as a reference point for addressing the complex issues currently affecting the public sector. This report has been incredibly insightful for us at Cantarus, particularly in highlighting how the public sector is navigating the challenges posed by emerging technologies at a national and global scale. From the ongoing cost-of-living crisis to climate change, to adapting to shifting workforce expectations, the role of digital solutions in these efforts is undeniably important.
The insights we’ve found in the report have been pivotal in shaping our approach to collaborating with public sector organisations, so keep reading to explore our perspectives on these trends, and how you can start implementing these insights in your organisation.
The Socitm report outlines data maturity as a top priority for the public sector in 2024. In this ever-growing digital age we live in, the significance of data in enhancing public services cannot be overstated. However, as Socitm highlights, with great data comes great responsibility – the risks of bias, abuse, data loss, and data misinterpretation loom large, necessitating comprehensive training, planning, and management in your business to safeguard against these pitfalls.
AI is one of the biggest 2024 trends not just in the public sector, but across numerous industries, and it’s something we’re really excited about at Cantarus. AI’s potential to unlock productivity, streamline processes, and even support decision-making could revolutionise public service delivery. However, this enthusiasm needs to be approached with caution, as ethical considerations and concerns about AI’s transparency remain paramount.
Socitm’s report states that most public sector organisations will be trialling AI this year, focusing on things like voice recognition or diagnostics. Like all good things in life, however, AI will take time before it’s truly commonplace.
The threat of cyberattacks is more prominent than it’s ever been, and Socitm’s report calls for more vigilance and constant reassessment of threats. This reflects our own agency’s stance on the importance of cyber protection too.
With attacks becoming even more sophisticated, working with suppliers in 2024 who can help your organisation navigate this landscape is crucial.
The move toward new cloud models, edge computing, and data management challenges signal a pivotal shift in IT infrastructure. IT infrastructure, as noted in the report, can often be taken for granted and seen as a bit of an afterthought, so organisations need to be clearly documenting policies and planning ahead, with regular reviews of existing cloud applications to ensure efficiency and optimisation.
The trend around reimagining services is about more than just making existing services more efficient and user-friendly, but about offering the possibility of a new definition for public services built on dynamic digital and data foundations.
At Cantarus, we strongly believe that the future of the public sector lies in putting your citizens at the heart of your services. This user-centric approach not only fosters inclusivity and accessibility, but also ensures your digital solutions are grounded in genuine user needs. New technologies can not only just improve, but overhaul some services - for example, our client Nottinghamshire County Council’s ‘MyNotts’ mobile app allows easy reporting of potholes and road damage, as well as faulty street lighting, massively improving the overall user experience.
Another key trend highlighted in the report is the drive for ‘Technology for Public Good’, focusing on the responsible use of technology. This aligns with our continued commitment to sustainability and ethical practice. In 2024 and beyond, it’s expected that the sector will focus more on ensuring the reliable and secure use of technology for public good to mitigate the threats posed by emerging technologies.
In an era of rapid technological advancement, cultivating a skilled digital workforce is essential for organisations. Socitm emphasises promoting digital apprenticeships or fostering local partnerships for talent development. By investing in skills development, offering competitive salaries, and flexible work arrangements, organisations can both attract and retain top digital talent.
In 2024, you need to ensure your organisation remains attractive to the changing needs of the post-pandemic workforce.
The Socitm Public Sector Digital Trends for 2024 report outlines a vision for a digitally empowered public sector that's responsive, resilient, and aligned with the needs of the communities it serves. These trends are very exciting, and there are plenty more you can delve deeper into in the report here.
At Cantarus, we’re thrilled to be able to leverage our own expertise on the above trends to support our public sector clients in embracing these and turning challenges into opportunities for innovation and growth.
Get in touch with us at [email protected] or via our website to see how Cantarus can help you unlock the full potential of your organisation. You can also find out more about Cantarus’ work with the public sector here.
