GovTech: Putting People First

Welcome to GovTech!

GovTech is an agenda led by the GovTech Global Solutions Group (GSG) and GovTech Global Partnership (GTGP) under Governance Global Practice (GPP). We bring governments and technology together to transform public services and improve the lives of citizens around the world. It is a collaborative effort, coming together with other global practices, including those working on digital development, payment systems, data governance, and sector specialists.

What is GovTech?

GovTech is a whole-of-government approach to public sector modernization and promotes simple, efficient and transparent government with the citizen at the center of reforms.

The GovTech approach represents the current frontier of government digital transformation. It is distinct from previous phases as it emphasizes three aspects of public sector modernization:

-Citizen-centric public services that are universally accessible

-A whole-of-government approach to digital government transformation

-Simple, efficient and transparent government systems.

The World Bank’s GovTech work focuses on the following areas:

Core Government Systems - Client demand for modernization and integration of core government systems is an entry point for strengthening the GovTech approach, especially in projects and dialogue on next generation digital solutions for central and local government (e.g., GGP is focused on better public financial management, human resource management, tax administration, public procurement and public investment management systems). These interventions also include the development of an overarching digital government transformation strategy and set of principles to foster effective use of digital platforms and data that are interoperable and secure, as a part of the whole-of-government approach.

Public Service Delivery - In collaboration with other groups in the Bank, the GovTech agenda supports the design of human-centered online services that are simple, transparent, and universally accessible. Special attention is paid to services that are accessible by low-cost digital solutions, such as mobile phones and free open source applications, tailored to the digital literacy and reaching all intended beneficiaries and users.

Citizen Engagement - Developing and deploying CivicTech tools including citizen feedback and complaint handling mechanisms can be done in high and low connectivity countries, using simple technology and free open source aplications. Activities also focus on accountability tools such as service charters and service standards with enforcement and monitoring mechanisms, and the use of technology to advance government’s efforts at greater transparency.

GovTech Enablers - Strengthening GovTech enablers includes work on how to build digital skills in the public sector and an environment that fosters innovation in the public sector.

The GovTech agenda also encompasses effective use of disruptive technologies (such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, cloud computing and the internet of things), public data platforms (promoting the use of open public data by individuals and firms to create value), local GovTech ecosystem (supporting local entrepreneurs and start-ups to develop new products and services for government) and greater use of public private partnerships to draw upon private sector skills, innovations and investments to address public sector challenges.

Governance Global Practice - Public Administration and Institutional Reform Unit

The Governance Global Practice’s GovTech work is supported by the Public Administration and Institutional Reform Unit. As a central unit, it helps coordinate and develop the agenda with analytical work and policy guidance, global public goods, convening and knowledge exchange as well as knowledge management and skill development. It directly works with World Bank task teams to help develop and conceptualize new projects and implement and oversee existing projects. The unit also engages in outreach and partnerships with external institutions, partners and experts. As part of its work, the unit coordinates the GovTech Global Solutions Group and the the GovTech Global Partnership.

Contact: Tracey Lane tlane@worldbank.org

GovTech Global Solutions Group

The GovTech Global Solutions Group (GSG) was established in 2020 to create a network of technical staff across the Bank to facilitate knowledge generation and dissemination. The GSG is responsible for new knowledge generation and ensuring this is translated into operational guidance for task teams. The GSG is currently led by Kimberly Johns and Cem Dener (the Global Leads report to the GGP Director and Practice Manager) and includes a group of 11 WBG experts located in DC and country offices. The GSG members provide support for: (i) technical quality assurance; (ii) strategy, innovation and business development; (iii) country and global engagements; (iv) intellectual leadership; (v) mentoring staff and bringing on new talent; (vi) generating new knowledge and learning materials; and (vii) partnerships and outreach with other agencies.

Contact: Kimberly Johns kjohns1@worldbank.org and Cem Dener cdener@worldbank.org

GovTech Global Partnership

To support aspiring GovTech countries in adopting sound practices and solutions, and to ensure a broad global partnership for effective exchange and transfer of knowledge and good practice, the GovTech Global Partnership (GTGP) was established by the World Bank's Governance Global Practice in 2019. The governments of Austria, the Republic of Korea and Switzerland are supporting the GTGP through a multi-donor trust fund. The Partnership’s vision extends beyond the trust fund and includes partnerships and dialogue with advanced and aspiring GovTech countries, private sector, civil society organizations and others involved in GovTech domain. The GTGP supports analytical and advisory work, global public goods, convening and knowledge exchange as well as the implementation of GovTech solutions.

Contact: Reinhard Haslinger rhaslinger@worldbank.org

MULTIMEDIA

GovTech Launch Event (Spring Meetings, 2019)

The World Bank Group, along with other stakeholders, has a key role to play in ensuring client countries have access to the knowledge, solutions and expertise to support digital transformation. The GovTech team works on to better align people, processes and technology to improve the delivery of essential public services for the benefit of people and businesses, as well as contribute to the development of digital economies in client countries.