Creating the capacity for digital government

• Main Authors: CHAN, Cheow Hoe, MILLER, Steven M.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Institutional Knowledge at Singapore Management University 2023
• Subjects: Govtech; Singapore; Asian Studies; Databases and Information Systems; Health Information Technology; Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration; Technology and Innovation
• Online Access: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/ami/199; https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/context/ami/article/1198/viewcontent/4_AMI19_DigitalGovt.pdf
• Institution: Singapore Management University

This article explains how a well-thought-out data policy, supported by a tech stack and cloud infrastructure, an agile way of working, and coordinated whole-of-government leadership, are fundamental to successful government digital transformation efforts, as exemplified by the Singapore government’s digital journey. As part of explaining how to create the capacity for digital government, the main sections of this article cover: The origins of GovTech How thinking big, starting small and acting fast is a practical strategy for organisational learning The importance of horizontal platforms and other enablers of a horizontal approach Data architecture and policy “Shifting left” with internal technology creation capabilities and top-level leadership commitment How this all combines to create the ability to respond to urgent national needs Key Learnings