Rebooting digital government to (finally) bring it into the 21st century

Rebooting digital government to (finally) bring it into the 21st century

Nearly 30 years after the UK’s first pan-government website, what has been achieved in digital government – and how do we make it better? Ed Vaizey , a former UK government minister, commented in 2017 that he “would completely re-engineer government. I would abolish government departments, I would have government by task, you know, what do you want to achieve?” Knowingly or not, his remarks echo an earlier political ambition for a radical digital transformation of government. A succession of government digital strategies has appeared over recent decades, largely variations on the 1996 classic original ( Figure 1 ). But delivery has rarely matched their good intentions. The failure to modernise government and bring it into the 21st century has created a growing digital / policy divide, an existential gulf between governments’ capabilities and citizens’ needs and expectations. Perpetual panic The lack of a sustained, strategic political leadership of digital, data, and technology (DDaT) has led to a near-perpetual state of panic about all things digital – social media, artificial intelligence, adtech, the gig economy, hybrid warfare. Equally problematic are the politicians and officials beguiled by the spin and hype of the technology spivs, rushing to acclaim blockchain or […]

Unlock the Power of Digital Transformation: Transform Your Mindset, Transform Your Hotel

Unlock the Power of Digital Transformation: Transform Your Mindset, Transform Your Hotel

To implement a successful digital transformation process for your hotel it is key that you have a system that works with you, not just for you. A successful digital transformation process assures that people and technology work harmoniously to create a magical experience for everyone involved. I will in this article show your hotel the one important thing that will unlock the power of digital transformation. Let’s dive in… Unlock the Power of Digital Transformation: Transform Your Mindset, Transform Your Hotel What is the primary reason most digital transformation strategies fail? Lack of a transformational system? No change in leadership/management strategy? Going to the transformation too fast? No budget for a transformation? Lack of the right skill set? These are all relevant factors that we need to consider. But the primary reason that most digital transformation strategies fail is due to a faulty mindset. The majority of hotel employees will naturally perceive digital transformation as a change to the status quo. And change triggers fear, anxiety, gradual change (uncertainty), confusion, frustration, and false start (doubt). As a result, you might experience a lot of resistance or in the worst case sabotage. And if your hotel experience resistance or sabotage […]

4 Reasons Why Penetration Testing Is Crucial For IT and IoT Systems

4 Reasons Why Penetration Testing Is Crucial For IT and IoT Systems

Cybersecurity threats are some of the most pressing issues businesses and organizations worry about nowadays. As data (personal, financial, or of any other type) increases in value, companies and organizations all over the world must find ways to avoid the horror of a data breach at all costs. This is why having a proper-running and powerful cybersecurity system is now a must-have. And this involves running a series of ongoing tests and procedures, like penetration testing. This is a method of actively assessing the security of IT systems by simulating an attack from a malicious outsider or insider. The main job of a pen test is to identify vulnerabilities in the system and inform decision-makers about the steps to take to plug the gaps. However, there’s more to know about the benefits of this testing method, which is why we listed the top four reasons why penetration testing should be an integral part of any IT system. 1. Identify Security Vulnerabilities Security vulnerabilities vary from hidden back doors to out-of-date software tools, which is why you need to know which ones could impact your systems the most. For instance, if your company uses IoT systems, the level of risk […]

Fifth Digital Almaty 2023 Forum ‘Digs Deeper’ into World of High Tech

Fifth Digital Almaty 2023 Forum ‘Digs Deeper’ into World of High Tech

ALMATY – The fifth Digital Almaty 2023 forum held Feb.2-3 in the southern capital of Kazakhstan, brought together 30,000 participants from more than 30 countries, representing more than 400 companies. More than 150 people attended the forum and more than 250 exhibitions were put on display. Photo credit: Ilyas Omarov. Kazakhstan is one of the leaders in the ongoing digital transformation of society among the post-Soviet countries. In 2022, Kazakhstan ranked 28th in terms of the development of digital government and 15th in terms of electronic participation of citizens as part of the E-Government Development Index (EGDI). The heads of governments of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council took part in one of the plenary sessions titled Digital Partnership in the New Reality. Opening the session, Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov noted Kazakhstan is on the path of digital transformation of the public administration, including the implementation of FinTech and GovTech projects. Due to the openness of the state and the ease of doing business, a high level of penetration by digital technology has already been achieved in Kazakhstan. Photo credit: Ilyas Omarov. Digitalization is an important component in ensuring equality of opportunity and justice. The government is moving to a qualitatively […]

Covid-19 has driven digital transformation in higher education

Covid-19 has driven digital transformation in higher education

Despite the initial challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic on higher education, the industry rallied to find solutions and keep educational opportunities up and running. Image by thumprchgo from Pixabay Industry leaders fast-tracked digital transformation to provide online learning, seamless communication, and integration across institutions. And not only did this prove successful in navigating pandemic disruption but it continues to provide a platform for education to progress and thrive post-pandemic. So, how can we expect to see these once short-term solutions continue to shape the world of academia? Unexpected challenges The Covid-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges in every industry but arguably no more so than higher education – especially in regions almost entirely dependent on face-to-face learning opportunities. As resulting social distancing restrictions hit continents like Africa, the industry faced a range of unforeseen challenges. In-person lectures were no longer permitted in areas that had limited digital infrastructure and connectivity and, as economies began to shrink due to restrictions, this translated into budget cuts and fewer individuals enrolling on courses. Unlike some industries, higher education simply cannot afford to stand still, with global markets demanding qualified individuals to fulfil positions and the risk of a pause in learning threatening […]

The 3 Ms of bringing flexibility and speed to the digital insurance experience

The 3 Ms of bringing flexibility and speed to the digital insurance experience

Adam Goran Speed and flexibility are essential to customer satisfaction and business success in 2023. Over the years, the insurance industry has gained a reputation for operating and adapting to change slowly due to the intricacies of client care and strict regulatory guidelines. But the traditional slow and steady means of operating will no longer win the race for established insurance providers, with 52% of consumers—and 80% of millennials —more open to working with newer innovative players in the insurance space, delivering the digital customer experience they know and now expect. To compete in today’s digital world, insurance carriers must embrace digital innovation and new insurance models to meet growing customer demands and industry standards. However, embracing and achieving organizational transformation is no easy task. It requires insurers to look inwardly at current processes and business culture to instill the three Ms — mindset, measures and mechanics — needed to successfully implement new working models that improve the speed and flexibility of the customers’ insurance experience. Instilling a growth mindset For insurance companies, understanding that old habits die hard will help leaders and managers alike save time and avoid headaches. Chances are that employees are in a fixed mindset […]

How Specialty Pharmacies Enhance Patient Outcomes with Digital Tools

How Specialty Pharmacies Enhance Patient Outcomes with Digital Tools

By Alivia Kaylor patient portals, mobile apps and devices, and telemedicine platforms , streamline communication between patients, healthcare providers, and pharmacies. Listen to the full podcast to hear more details. And don’t forget to subscribe on iTunes , Spotify , or Google Podcasts . “Pharmaceutical manufacturers want patients to have multiple ways to interact with specialty pharmacies in their network,” explained Lisa Mymo, Vice President of Pharma and Financial Services at AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy. By improving accuracy, enhancing coordination of care, and reducing wait times, digital patient engagement tools can improve the management of patient health, drug adherence, and medication-related effects while increasing patient satisfaction and reducing costs. Providing patients with a comprehensive online solution structured to educate payers is paramount, according to Kathy Kokoski, RPh, CSP, Director of Pharma Operations at AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy. As new policies and technology take shape to improve the relationship between the pharmaceutical industry and its consumers, many organizations are embarking on a digital transformation journey to optimize the patient experience using text and email capabilities. “Whether a patient chooses to interact online or via phone, patients are always given the option to speak to a pharmacist. It’s not just our process and […]

How Will Software Testing Change In 2023?

How Will Software Testing Change In 2023?

getty As we look ahead to 2023, it’s clear that the field of software testing is on the cusp of significant changes. With the rapid pace of technological advancement and the increasing complexity of software development, the way we test software is also evolving. Additionally, the massive dismissal of employees that characterizes 2022 could influence your organization’s QA work, surprisingly for the better. In this article, I will take a closer look at some of the major changes we can expect to see in software testing in 2023 and how they will shape the way we ensure software quality. Market Condition The significant layoffs that have occurred in 2022 across all industries due to the economic downturn are a big factor in changing the software testing world. According to the Forbes layoff tracker , around 125,000 employees were fired in 2022 layoff rounds by over 120 large companies in industries such as tech, banks and manufacturers. While it might seem only negative at first, it could also present a fine opportunity for companies to strengthen their expertise and hire new skilled employees. Now, companies have access to a larger pool of potential candidates that have proven experience. This will […]

Collaborative efforts, equitable access crucial to bridging gaps between digital and global health: Prof Ilona Kickbusch

Collaborative efforts, equitable access crucial to bridging gaps between digital and global health: Prof Ilona Kickbusch

New Delhi: Healthcare advancements across the world are being spearheaded by digital transformations as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and digital data are revolutionising the industry at a rapid scale. Effective IT deployment is at the forefront of this new-age healthcare revolution, informed health industry experts at the tenth International Conference on ‘ Transforming Healthcare with IT .’ At the inaugural session of the conference, Prof Ilona Kickbusch, Founding Director and Chair, Global Health Centre, Graduate Institute of International & Development Studies, Geneva elucidated on the topic ‘ Digital Health and Global Health – Synonyms?’ Prof Kickbusch addressed the conference to highlight that with the increasing challenges posed by communicable diseases due to new obstacles such as antimicrobial resistance, in light of the bygone COVID-19 pandemic, the health industry is in evermore need of digital health solutions that align with global health priorities. She informed the audience and panel members, “In my experience, these are still two distinct fields. Those working in digital health are not automatically thinking of the global health impact or the potential of digital solutions, particularly for the world. Similarly, people in global health do not consider how digital technology can advance or undermine […]

Digital transformation will improve early warnings in Africa

Digital transformation will improve early warnings in Africa

Digital technologies could help hydrometeorological services in Africa to deliver services and early warnings more effectively and efficiently to user communities. The World Meteorological Organization is therefore holding a meeting of experts in weather, climate and water services to try to speed the digital transformation. The Regional Association for Africa conference , organized in collaboration with the Ethiopian Meteorological Institute, takes place this week in Addis Ababa. “The frequency and intensity of hazards is significant in Africa and the impacts are putting pressure on socioeconomic sectors. The government of Ethiopia, in partnership with the Ethiopian Meteorological Institute (EMI), has established a modernized network for collecting and interpreting meteorological data for early warning services to improve lives and livelihoods,” said Ethiopian State Minister for Water and Energy, H.E. Dr Abraha Adugna. Africa is highly vulnerable to impacts of climate change and extreme weather . The Greater Horn of Africa is gripped by extreme and prolonged drought, which has destroyed crops, killed livestock and plunged millions into acute food insecurity. Tropical cyclones and deadly floods have also caused many casualties and severe socio-economic losses in countries ranging from Madagascar to Nigeria to South Africa in the past year. But many people […]