2024 Trends: Public sector digital transformation

From local government initiatives to drivers in healthcare and education, every facet of the public sector is gearing up for a year of significant technological advancements in 2024. In this edition of Hot Topics, we’re taking our annual deep dive into the upcoming trends set to define the next 12 months for healthcare and NHS, local government, housing, policing and higher education organisations across the UK.

End-to-end becomes standard as projects become more complex

As technology continues to advance faster than ever before, 2024 is set to be the biggest year yet for the end-to-end digital transformation approach – combining multiple technologies to achieve even greater capabilities, like intelligent automation (more on that in a second). The needs and expectations of our communities are constantly changing, and so is the digital landscape. While the impact of a single technology in streamlining just one step of a large, complex process might be good - using a combination of robotic process automation (RPA), apps, eForms, APIs and workflows to revolutionise a process from start to finish is often far more impactful. As public sector transformation teams become more experienced with a variety of tools, you’ll see an explosion of end-to-end projects this year.

Intelligent automation accelerates public sector efficiency

Building on the undeniable success of RPA, 2024 is poised to witness an incredibly accelerated adoption of intelligent automation. The fusion of artificial intelligence (AI) and RPA promises to redefine how public sector organisations approach efficiency and innovation after plenty of propitious experimentation over the past year. Intelligent automation will not only streamline repetitive tasks with the added advantage of cognitive abilities, but it will also become a core tool in complex decision-making processes, providing unprecedented levels of agility. The integration of AI and RPA (alongside mobile apps, eForms, and APIs in end-to-end workflows) is set to revolutionise service delivery, ensuring that public sector organisations in the UK stay at the forefront of technological advancements.

Quantum computing: A revolutionary leap for UK public services

The dawn of quantum computing is a game-changer for the UK public sector. As quantum computers become more accessible, public sector organisations are exploring ways to leverage this cutting-edge technology. In 2024, quantum computing, complemented by RPA and APIs, is expected to play a crucial role in optimising complex simulations for healthcare research and enhancing data security in government operations. An emerging technology based on the laws of quantum mechanics, the UK public sector is poised to harness the transformative power of quantum computing, which can handle problems and processes far too complex for traditional computers - propelling it into a new era of computational capabilities.

Blockchain technology enhances trust and transparency

In 2024, the UK public sector is embracing the widespread adoption of blockchain technology to ensure trust and transparency in various applications. Beyond its association with cryptocurrencies, blockchain is emerging as a transformative force for secure and transparent public records management. The decentralised nature of blockchain, coupled with the integration of RPA and APIs, is set to redefine data integrity and accountability standards within government operations, reinforcing the commitment to transparency and trustworthiness.

Augmented reality for enhanced public services

The integration of augmented reality (AR) into public services is gearing up to revolutionise user experiences in the UK. From virtual training simulations in healthcare to interactive educational modules in public schools, AR, complemented by mobile apps and workflows, is set to break new ground. The UK public sector is exploring innovative ways to leverage AR, providing citizens with immersive and informative experiences that enhance service delivery. In 2024, anticipate a year where AR, mobile apps, and workflows could blur the lines between the digital and physical realms, creating a more engaging and interactive public sector experience.

Sustainability tech in line with Net Zero 2050

Environmental sustainability takes centre stage in 2024 for the UK public sector, with technology playing a pivotal role in achieving green objectives outlined in the government’s Net Zero 2050 initiative. From smart energy management systems to data-driven initiatives for environmental conservation, sustainability tech, supported by RPA, APIs, and mobile apps, is a key focus. Public sector organisations in the UK are investing in solutions that enhance operational efficiency while contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly future, aligning with the nation's commitment to environmental stewardship.

Edge computing reshapes public sector data management

While cloud computing has been instrumental in digital transformation, 2024 will see the rise of edge computing in the UK public sector. As the demand for real-time data processing grows, edge computing, supported by APIs and mobile apps, brings computation closer to the data source. This is particularly crucial for applications like public safety and healthcare, where low latency and high-speed data processing can make a significant impact. Expect edge computing, with its integration of APIs and mobile apps, to redefine how the UK public sector manages and utilises its data infrastructure, ensuring efficiency and responsiveness in critical services.

Ready for the year ahead?

In anticipation of these trends, we’re ready to support your transformative journey in 2024 and beyond with the Evolve Digital Transformation Platform. Whether you're intrigued by intelligent automation, quantum computing or blockchain and want to learn more about successful implementation – or you’re looking to streamline services and processes with RPA, mobile apps, eForms, workflows, and APIs – Evolve is tailored to support the unique needs of the UK public sector. Connect with a member of our team for more information or join us and learn more at our upcoming events. Feeling inspired? Don’t forget to check out our library of public sector case studies.