Gartner identifies top five govtech trends for 2024

Cybersecurity and AI lead pivotal changes in public administration.

Gartner has spotlighted the top five technology trends that are set to transform public service efficiency this year, emphasising enhanced security, improved digital identity management, and advanced decision-making capabilities through artificial intelligence (AI). 

Dean Lacheca, VP analyst at Gartner, explained, "Security, no surprises, one of cybersecurity really stands out as one of the main challenges for governments around the world."

The adaptation of cybersecurity measures is critical as governments worldwide strive to enhance their defensive and responsive capabilities. This trend is closely followed by the development of a comprehensive digital identity ecosystem, which is essential for the progressive digital transformation of government services. 

Another significant focus is AI's role in decision intelligence, which Lacheca described as crucial for enhancing operational excellence. "There's no doubt of the real focus on AI over the last 12 months... it's all been about how do we bring it to bear to really support and improve that operational excellence in government." 

Additionally, the shift towards low-code platforms is set to address legacy system challenges and promote greater agility and resilience in government operations.

Addressing the challenges of implementing these technologies, Lacheca noted, "That concept of digital platform agility, that resilience really stands out as one of the broader challenges." The transition involves significant risks due to the entrenched nature of legacy systems within government frameworks. 

Moreover, the adoption of AI and decision intelligence demands substantial resources and skilled personnel, posing a dual challenge of technological advancement and workforce development.

In terms of the overall impact on government procedures, Lacheca is optimistic about the transformative potential of these trends. "Central governments are really looking to improve experience... It helps improve the trust and efficiency of the government," he stated, highlighting the dual benefit of enhancing both citizen satisfaction and governmental productivity. 

The strategic implementation of these tech trends is expected to fundamentally alter how citizens interact with and benefit from government services, marking a significant shift towards a more efficient and responsive public sector.