The pandemic added pressure to necessitate the growth of technology dependence across the board. Three years later, the need to depend on tech has revolutionised the workplace. There have been sectors of industry that have truly embraced the revolution, but some that have lagged. It is arguable that sectors of local government, which find themselves overburdened, could benefit from further technological leaps. It is time to explore whether tech innovation is the solution to the improvement of local government.
Local Departments undoubtedly receive pressure from all angles, from above and from the community they oversee. In this equation, there are deadlines within unattainable time limits. Further implementation of technology can provide relief. We spoke to the CEO of Placecube, Jason Fahy, who provided insight into the development of local community services and how they work to implement and improve this process, "Placecube is a software development and data services business. We have supported our public sector clients, including local authorities and the communities they serve, for over twenty years. During this time, we have seen the sector mature in how and why they consume technology, and with a greater focus on meeting users' needs."
Technology can help the average user to go about their business without assistance. As Fahy puts it, "Our clients use our technology to allow users to self-serve online at a time that suits the user and their device of choice. This modernisation of service delivery frees up precious front-line resources to focus on the most vulnerable." Another issue that local government has faced is inter-departmental communication: a vital component but sometimes forgotten. Fahy continues, "Smarter use of the customer's data helps remove the traditional siloed approach and allows multiple departments to be notified of a change in circumstances, once." Thus, refining the process not only for the teams working in local government but also for the individuals interacting with them.
The impact of tech in the community government could reach those dark corners yet unexplored. There is a chance for not only improved productivity but innovations, as explained by Fahy, "There is also an opportunity for local authorities to extend their reach beyond their traditional services through technology that allows multi-agency use and the ability to share systems with health, police, and central government. There is also an opportunity to harness resources within the community to build a sense of 'place' and engage community groups in local service delivery. Local government as a platform and as an enabler. Collating and publishing open data and encouraging innovation from the community increases the brain power being applied to innovating new solutions geared to making local government more efficient, focused on what is important to the communities they serve, and building a better place"
Access was formerly an issue for institutions to keep up with digital transformation, but now is less of a problem- "the increased adoption of open-source software, open data and open standards is assisting local government with assuming greater control of technology and providing greater choice in how and by whom future requirements are met." Fahy further advises that "this might involve in-house development teams, the application provider or through the local supply chain and range from the use of low code technology or full coding platforms." Greater control over tech and welcoming new forms of practice will bring streamlined processes that will eventually become commonplace and contribute to a more connected and happier community.
To conclude, technology is vital to the future of both local and community governments. There will still be issues regarding financial restrictions and occasionally the inclination to change. However, with companies such as Placecube paving the way, it becomes a more likely outcome as time goes on.
