Possible Solutions for Better Government Technology

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As the Covid-19 pandemic rages on, governments have realized the importance of technology in improving the lives of citizens. While private industries have long been using technology to create user-friendly interfaces, government websites have frustrating inefficiencies that often require citizens to visit government offices. The lack of attention to technology in policymaking has led to disastrous consequences, plummeting public trust in government.

The root of this problem is that the government does not keep its employees up-to-date on the latest tools and technologies. There is very little public sector awareness around how to use data or human-centered design. The majority of public servants have not received training in these tech-enabled ways of working, though they have expressed interest in doing so.

However, some countries have recognized the importance of training their public servants in technology. Singapore’s Civil Service Training College requires technology and digital-skills training for its civilian public servants. Canada’s Busrides training platform gives its quarter-million public servants short podcasts on topics like data science, AI, and machine learning to listen to during their commutes. In Argentina, training in human-centered design and data-analytical thinking is tied to career advancement and salary raises.

These skills enable public professionals to use technology to work in more agile ways, getting smarter from both data and community engagement. As an example, New Jersey’s chief innovation officer improved state websites that deliver crucial information and services. When the state’s aging mainframe struggled to handle the load of Covid-related jobless claims, they made small fixes such as simplifying and eliminating questions, revamping the design, and making the site mobile-friendly. They also created a Covid-19 website in just three days. Making over 134,000 updates to the site during the pandemic ensured that residents benefited from frequent improvements.

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Overall, there is great potential for government to use technology to improve citizens’ lives. It starts with acknowledging the importance of training and investing in technology skills for public servants. When public professionals learn how to use technology in their work, we all benefit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to the Above News

What is the problem with government technology?

Government technology is often inefficient and frustrating for citizens to use, which has led to a decrease in public trust in government.

What is the cause of the problem with government technology?

The government does not keep its employees up-to-date on the latest tools and technologies, resulting in a lack of awareness on how to use data or human-centered design.

What are some solutions to improve government technology?

Countries like Singapore, Canada, and Argentina have recognized the importance of training their public servants in technology. This training enables public professionals to use technology to work in more agile ways, getting smarter from both data and community engagement.

Can technology be used to improve citizens' lives through government services?

Yes, technology can and should be used to improve citizens' lives through government services. By investing in technology skills for public servants, governments can make improvements to websites and services that deliver crucial information and services to residents.

How has technology been used to improve government services during the Covid-19 pandemic?

During the pandemic, New Jersey's chief innovation officer improved state websites that deliver crucial information and services. They made small fixes, such as simplifying and eliminating questions, revamping the design, and making the site mobile-friendly. They also created a Covid-19 website in just three days and made over 134,000 updates to the site during the pandemic to ensure that residents benefited from frequent improvements.

Please note that the FAQs provided on this page are based on the news article published. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is always recommended to consult relevant authorities or professionals before making any decisions or taking action based on the FAQs or the news article.

Advait Gupta
Advait Gupta
Advait is our expert writer and manager for the Artificial Intelligence category. His passion for AI research and its advancements drives him to deliver in-depth articles that explore the frontiers of this rapidly evolving field. Advait's articles delve into the latest breakthroughs, trends, and ethical considerations, keeping readers at the forefront of AI knowledge.

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