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Digital Transformation in the UK Government

Authors:
Brian Gannon

Keywords: digital transformation; government; UK Government Digital Services

Abstract:
This ongoing research programme tells the story of the successful digital transformation initiative conducted by the UK government between 2010 and 2019. Spearheaded by the Government Digital Services (GDS) unit, a part of the UK Cabinet Office, the ‘Digital by Default’ programme redefined the way information technology (IT) solutions could be developed in the public sector and showed that it is possible for digital technology to streamline and improve online delivery of government services for citizens. The research documents the trajectory of the initiative from its beginning in 2010 to the establishment of a mature GDS in 2019, addressing such themes as the political and social imperatives that led to GDS; the role of key individuals in the project and the challenges of introducing radical technology-driven change into central government. Based on data collected from the main participants in the transformation programme, it identifies the enabling factors, the transformation initiatives, and the successes and failures experienced along the way. This paper outlines the context of the overall research programme and highlights emerging themes. These include identification of success factors, such as the necessity of obtaining senior political sponsorship at every stage, the dependence on people and skills to make the change happen, and the huge effort required to change culture and mindset in sometimes labyrinthine, stolid and vast government departments. It also provides a perspective on some of the challenges faced, and failed expectations of the programme. Although much of the data was collected in 2018, it is acknowledged that change of this scale takes time. Accordingly, a follow-up round of data gathering and analysis is planned in 2026 to assess the lasting effects of this transformation.

Pages: 45 to 49

Copyright: Copyright (c) IARIA, 2025

Publication date: July 6, 2025

Published in: conference

ISBN: 978-1-68558-285-2

Location: Venice, Italy

Dates: from July 6, 2025 to July 10, 2025