GovTech is a whole-of-government approach to public sector modernization, focusing on three aspects: citizen-centric services, universal accessibility, and digital transformation. It aims to enhance Core Government Systems, which are essential for managing public administration, increasing revenues, identifying inefficient spending, optimizing resource allocation, and curbing corruption. Additionally, GovTech prioritizes Citizen Engagement to build trust in government through greater transparency, access to justice, accurate monitoring, and timely feedback. It also supports better Service Delivery by promoting institutional reforms that reduce red tape, strengthen inclusion and user-centricity, and ensure data-driven public administration. Furthermore, GovTech emphasizes the importance of fostering enablers such as adequate regulation, skills development, and collaboration with the private sector to support technology adoption.
Global Program on GovTech & Public Sector Innovation
What is GovTech?
GovTech Activity Areas
The GovTech Data Program generates essential data for development partners, policymakers, and client governments. It also creates practical tools for practitioners.
Innovative Analytical Tools and Assessments
We focus on developing and piloting innovative solutions, prototyping new tools and technologies, and conducting assessments in strategically important government areas.
The GovTech Maturity Index (GTMI) evaluates public sector innovation in 198 countries. It includes four subindexes: Core Government Systems, Public Service Delivery, Digital Citizen Engagement, and GovTech Enablers. The GTMI is updated every three years to track progress.
The GovTech and Public Sector Innovation program supports in-depth research on innovation. Our publications contribute to the global dialogue and provide best practices and accessible guidance to practitioners.
Frontiers in Public Sector Innovation
Our analytical work covers advanced topics such as artificial intelligence in the public sector, data analytics for decision-making, and GovTech in areas like anticorruption, access to justice, public administration, and citizen engagement.
The program provides direct technical support to country counterparts, enhancing projects with innovative solutions.
GovTech Innovation Lab
The GovTech Innovation Lab serves as an incubator for innovation, helping World Bank teams conceptualize client use cases and experiment with potential solutions. It supports the piloting of technologies and innovative solutions for public sector bodies through challenges, bootcamps, and prototype development for complex or enduring challenges.
The program mobilizes a network of international partners to facilitate peer-to-peer learning and organizes events centered on public sector innovation and GovTech.
Global Partnership
Established in 2019, the GovTech Global Community has over 90 members who exchange best practices and explore synergies. This network enables knowledge-sharing among stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector entities, academic institutions, think tanks, international organizations, and civil society organizations. It focuses on collaborating with members to discuss new developments and disseminate partners’ work. Partners meet in person and online for knowledge-sharing sessions and are kept informed of partnership activities.
GovTech and Public Sector Innovation Global Forum
The forum provides a marketplace for showcasing cutting-edge public sector innovation and exploring experimentation in government through engaging sessions. It also includes preparatory workshops and follow-up events, all conducted in collaboration with World Bank country teams.
Public Sector Innovation Working Groups
These groups provide thought leadership, facilitate idea exchanges, and support the creation of effective GovTech solutions. The current groups are in these areas:
Each working group is co-chaired by two national governments and conducts regular technical knowledge-sharing sessions. The program plans to initiate new working groups in priority areas and strengthen ties with World Bank operations.