2022 Perspectives for the Public Sector

12 In order to create an effective digital policy, leadership is required. The appointment of a chief digital officer or ‘digital czar’ can break down silos across government and make it easier to take a holistic view of digital challenges across the citizen, corporate and government spheres. Most importantly, the appointment of a digital czar ensures accountability and ownership. A digital policy does not mean that all parts of government have to do everything identically when it comes to digitization. However, coordination — and cooperation — are critical so that there is consistency and interoperability within the policy framework and best practices are followed in areas such as cybersecurity. The benefits of a single digital policy are manifold. If various government initiatives use common standards and technologies — and share a philosophy of engagement with citizens and businesses — they are better able to improve efficiency and reliability, cut costs and offer effective solutions. Equally, by considering investments in broadband infrastructure alongside the rollout of initiatives to increase online access to government services, for example, the potential returns on investment can be much greater. More generally, digital policy, by definition, implies aligned thinking, enabling a more considered approach to issues such as digital privacy or the growing power of Big Tech, for example. What are the key components of digital policy? Many countries around the world have achieved excellence in relation to some aspects of digitization and digital policy. However, in order to fully leverage the benefits of digital, it is important to understand the broad scope that a holistic digital policy must encompass, including: • digital identity, which must take account of concerns about civil liberties and privacy; • digital access (i.e., broadband and/or 5G coverage), with a view to promoting financial inclusion and creating opportunity; • end-to-end digital government processes that enable citizens and companies to engage and interact with government (whether applying for a building permit or a passport, or paying taxes or a parking fine), ideally on a self-service basis; • regulation of digital entities, digital practices, data and technology such as artificial intelligence (AI); • digital currencies, including cryptocurrencies, stable coins and central bank digital currencies. While many of these components of digital policy focus on government’s ability to interact more effectively with its citizens and businesses and gain a better understanding of the risks and opportunities in a fast-changing world, the internal benefits to government of digital policy can also be profound. Most governments use antiquated and disparate systems and technologies for internal communications and supply chains, stifling effective decision-making. Investment in internal government technological infrastructure is essential if government is to effectively interact across agencies and with outside parties. Which countries are getting it right? There is no one-size-fits-all model when it comes to digital identity. Each country must balance progress with security, individual freedom, and its societal values. Moreover, given that most countries have made a start on many components of digital policy — albeit not in a coordinated fashion or under the auspices of a digital czar — any policy should be built on each nation’s unique strengths. Nevertheless, in recent years a number of strong examples have emerged Australia • Australia’s Digital Transformation Strategy aims to make the government easy to deal with, informed by its citizens, and fit for the digital age. • myGov offers simple and secure access to government services online using a single login. Services include job search, tax, child support, health, senior care, disability insurance and social housing, as well as a secure inbox to receive correspondence from participating government departments. All government services will be accessible digitally by 2025. • Over 3.3 million Australians and 1.3 million businesses are using digital identity to access over 77 federal, state and territory government services. 1 Why Digital Policy Is Key to the Post-COVID Recovery 1 h ttps://www.dta.gov.au/digital-transformation-strategy/digital-transformation-strategy-dashboard-0/objective-3-you-will-be-able-choose-secure-and-easy-use-digital- identity-access-all-digital-government-services