23 Oct Innovative technologies meet innovative culture
Innovation in the context of government and digital transformation refers to the adoption of new technologies, processes, and approaches to improve the efficiency, accessibility, and responsiveness of public services. As the world becomes increasingly digital, Canadians expect their government to provide seamless, user-friendly services that are as efficient as those in the private sector. Innovation is essential to meet this growing demand, enabling government to deliver services that are more personalized, faster, and more accessible, while also ensuring security and inclusivity.
By staying ahead of technological advancements, governments can improve the overall citizen experience, foster trust, and ensure that its services remain relevant and effective in an increasingly connected and digital society. If governments fail to innovate and stay ahead, they risk becoming inefficient, outdated, and unable to meet the evolving needs of its citizens. Public services could become slow, inaccessible, and cumbersome, leading to frustration among Canadians who expect fast, seamless digital interactions. A lack of innovation can also lead to increased security vulnerabilities, as outdated systems become more prone to cyber threats. Ultimately, a failure to innovate can erode public trust and undermine the government’s ability to deliver essential services effectively.
For these reasons, and certainly others, digital transformation remains at the forefront of organizational change. Within the Canadian federal public service, Shared Services Canada (SSC) is helping to lead this digital transformation by empowering departments and agencies to innovate. At its inaugural Innovation Fair today, SSC highlighted the crucial role technology plays in reshaping government services. Across 30 booths, public servants were able to learn about digital tools like Robotic Process Automation, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and advanced cloud technologies.
Beyond these technologies, however, we must also consider how we must innovate our organization cultures in order for such transformation to be enabled and sustained long-term.
The balance: technology and culture
Adopting new technologies without transforming organizational culture is like upgrading a car engine but keeping outdated controls. While innovative technologies can drive efficiency, collaboration, and accessibility, fostering a culture that supports and adapts to this change is equally important.
From AI in the workplace to 3D modelling and bots as virtual assistants, SSC’s Innovation Fair showcased how federal departments are enhancing services for Canadians. But as government departments adopt these technologies, leaders must recognize that their success hinges not only on the tools themselves but also on the environment in which these tools are implemented. A forward-thinking, adaptive organizational culture is crucial to maximize the benefits of digital innovation.
But how to do we foster an innovative culture?
Innovative technology thrives in environments where ideas flow freely, and employees feel empowered to share their insights. SSC’s Innovation Lounge, a space dedicated to discussions and networking at the Innovation Fair, offers a glimpse into this approach. By fostering collaboration across departments, public sector organizations can ensure that innovative solutions are co-created, benefiting from diverse perspectives and expertise.
Digital transformation also requires ongoing education and upskilling. Organizations should invest in training programs to ensure their workforce is well-versed in using new technologies, like AI. SSC’s own digital skilling program does just that. “Beginning with an initial focus on cloud computing, SSC’s digital skilling offerings have since evolved to include areas such as cyber security, artificial intelligence, robotic process automation and data analytics. Through this program, SSC employees are able to gain the necessary knowledge, skills, and practical hands-on experience from industry experts, enabling service delivery improvements to partner departments and promoting innovation with modern digital solutions.(1)“
Beyond technical training, cultural initiatives that emphasize adaptability, resilience, and curiosity are also essential. For example, embracing a “fail fast, learn faster” mentality can encourage experimentation without fear of repercussions, allowing teams to innovate more effectively. As work demands often take priority, related to this we must also carve out the time to allow our teams to learn and innovate as a similar priority.
As the government moves forward with digital adoption, it’s vital to ensure no one is left behind. SSC’s focus on Accessibility, Accommodation, and Adaptive Computer Technology exemplifies how technology and culture must intersect to create inclusive solutions. By embedding inclusivity into the fabric of their culture, organizations can ensure that innovation benefits everyone, including marginalized groups and individuals with disabilities.
Technological advancements are not static, and neither should an organization’s culture. Public sector entities must cultivate an agile mindset, where teams are ready to pivot when new technologies or needs arise. This requires building flexibility into decision-making processes and ensuring that employees at all levels can contribute to shaping the organization’s direction.
For public sector organizations to truly embrace both technological and cultural innovation, the right leadership is crucial. The leaders of tomorrow’s government departments and agencies must be visionary, inclusive, and adaptable.
Here are some qualities that leaders must embody:
- Leaders need to see beyond immediate needs and understand how emerging technologies can shape the future of public service. They must inspire their teams to think creatively and embrace new possibilities, much like how SSC’s Innovation Fair encourages participants to engage with futuristic tools.
- Leaders must promote an inclusive work environment that leverages the diverse perspectives and experiences of their workforce. This ensures that the innovations developed, such as those in the areas of accessibility and adaptive technologies, are meaningful and beneficial to all citizens.
- To successfully blend innovative technology with culture, leaders must champion change. This involves not only advocating for digital tools but also modeling behaviors that encourage flexibility, learning, and collaboration across their teams.
- As seen at SSC’s Innovation Fair, partnerships across departments are key to driving digital transformation. Leaders must facilitate these connections, fostering an environment where cross-departmental collaboration is the norm, not the exception.
As public sector organizations like SSC continue to push the boundaries of what technology can do, they must not overlook the importance of a supportive, innovative culture. The integration of cutting-edge tools and inclusive, forward-thinking cultural practices will enable government departments and agencies to meet the evolving needs of Canadians.
The future of public service depends not just on the technology at hand but on the people, values, and culture that surround its use.
By embracing both, organizations will be better equipped to deliver effective, citizen-centric services for years to come.
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