The Society for Innovation, Technology and Modernisation (Socitm) has outlined four measures to support digital innovation by public sector organisations.
They are included within its new Public Sector Digital Trends report, compiled from the experiences of its UK members and international partner bodies.
Its technology trends section includes the identification of four themes around harnessing innovation that have stood out in its research.
One is to ensure an appropriate risk model is agreed at board level to define the appetite for risk. This provides structures to allow mistakes and waste within the boundaries of accountability, with monitoring to spot problems early and prevent major failures.
Another is to create the space for less structured digital projects and testing new ideas, such as through allowing an informal approach to small works, a small budget for experimentation or rewards for good ideas.
Third is the development of appropriate governance models to track projects while tolerating flexibility. This may demand a new approach in project management, board reporting and benefits tracking; and building centres of innovation is not necessarily the best approach as innovation can occur in any part of an organisation.
Finally, there is a need culture that encourages digital experimentation and appropriate risk taking. This requires defining the boundaries of acceptability along with appropriate incentives and rewards.
Focus for 2025
The report also provides three main focus points for 2025: reimagining services beyond traditional boundaries; boosting cyber defences; and harnessing data, with an emphasis on its quality, working across boundaries and preparing to use AI.
Commenting on the report, Carol Williams, Socitm’s current president and director of transformation and digital at Walsall Council, said: “At the heart of change are the people — leaders, teams, and communities — who make it happen.
“This report is not just a guide to leveraging technology but a call to mentor and empower individuals to think boldly, collaborate widely, and to create inclusive solutions that truly serve our communities and places."
