What is GovTech and its four focus areas?

GovTech is a whole of government approach to public sector modernization. GovTech emphasizes three aspects of public sector modernization: citizen-centric public services that are universally accessible, a whole-of-government approach to digital government transformation, and simple, efficient and transparent government systems.

Why GovTech then and not InnovativePublicSectorTech? 

First, that’s too long, and second, I think the name reflects the important policy component that goes into every GovTech programme and that distinguishes it from FinTech and other xyzTech sectors. It is not about building a toolkit of resources and using it to sell a product, but about managing the existing resources to deliver the currently existing products (aka public services) better. What it means in the realities of the public sector is getting inspired by ideas from both within and outside of the government and developing standards to incorporate them into the state’s framework.

This can sometimes be tough, as the public sector by definition has more constraints, on the other hand, it also offers unique opportunities. The administration’s size also means that one, different departments will act independently, and two, for any GovTech initiative to be successful, one must engage the citizens and give them an opportunity to make an impact. This is why I believe the crucial thing when thinking about GovTech is to imagine it as a circular flow, where citizens develop solutions helping themselves (directly or indirectly) and the administration is in the middle, constructing a framework they can do it in.

This brings me to my final point. The semantic disorder I mentioned initially can sometimes raise confusion between GovTech and CivTech. While I believe there is a distinction, with GovTech being a slightly broader term, as it includes not only interactions with citizens, but also the administration, the line between the two is thin. Practically, they can be referred to as synonyms, as I can’t imagine doing GovTech without engaging citizens, or CivTech without involving the administration at some point. This is however reflective of how broad a field this is and how many ideas are there for propagating innovations within the public sector.

All those are is the principles we have built our programmes on and the response encourages us to move forward in the direction of making GovTech an exchange platform for ideas and innocations serving the society. 

GovTech has four focus areas:

ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE PUBLIC SERVICE DELIVERY: In collaboration with other practices in the Bank, the GovTech Team led by the GGP supports the design of human-centered online services that are simple, transparent, and universally accessible. Special attention is paid to services that are accessible by low-cost digital solutions, such as mobile phones and free open source applications, tailored to digital literacy and reaching all intended beneficiaries and users.

SUPPORTING CORE GOVERNMENT SYSTEMS: Client demand for modernization and integration of core government systems is an entry point for strengthening the GovTech approach, especially in projects and dialogue on next generation digital solutions for central and local government. For example, GGP is focused on better public financial management, human resource management, tax administration, public procurement, and public investment management systems.

MAINSTREAMING CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT: Developing and deploying CivicTech tools including citizen feedback and complaint handling mechanisms can be done in high and low connectivity countries, using simple technology and free open source applications. Activities focus on accountability tools such as service charters and service standards with enforcement and monitoring mechanisms, and the use of technology to advance government’s efforts at greater transparency.

GOVTECH ENABLERS: Strengthening GovTech enablers includes work on how to build digital skills in the public sector and an environment that fosters innovation in the public sector.