Local and regional government contexts differ: Some are rural, some urban, while others are mixed; some are densely populated, others are not; responsibilities, service portfolios and socio-economic mix vary. That said, local and regional government are faced with the same technology dilemmas as other parts of the public and private sectors, that is: How to optimise the use of technology.

The closer to citizens and businesses the better-equipped government is to deliver services relevant to the specific context. In many cases local and regional government is responsible for up to 70-80% of all public service delivery, and where they are not, increasing decentralisation is often underway.

Emerging technologies and concepts like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT) and smart sustainable cities and communities provides both opportunities and risks. That said, the digital transformation of service production and delivery is often overseen in the larger political and academic discussion. It is also often overlooked by national strategic, despite increased decentralisation of service delivery.

In this context, the session will discuss concrete and real challenges and opportunities to sustain the real value adding digital transformation of local and regional government including its implications for policy makers and public administrations. With a focus on small and medium sized authorities in both rural and urban areas the session will address three key questions:

How to harness technology to improve back office productivity while improving the quality and effectiveness of service delivery to citizens and businesses alike?

How to establish whole-of-government and user-centric service production and delivery ecosystems across multiple service delivery channels.

How to utilise different partnership forms and modes of service production and delivery like public-private partnerships, co-production, joint service centres, outsourcing etc.

Session themes include technology options, service production and delivery ecosystems, benefit realization, change management and transformation frameworks, user needs, inclusive and accessible service design, participatory and knowledge-based decision making, key enablers, inter- and intra-governmental collaboration, partnerships and outsourcing forms.

Registration for Invited Session 2

Chair Chris Eddy
Panel:
Helen Anstis  Executive Director, Corporate at Service Victoria
John Nevins Chief Executive Office City of Kingston
Rachael Dapiran Executive Director, Planning, Infrastructure & Technical