As nations across the globe prepare to enter 2025, strategic planning in technology investment is increasingly essential, particularly for government agencies. Dean Lacheca, a Vice President analyst at Gartner, discussed in "Government News" the critical focus areas that governments should prioritise as automation and artificial intelligence (AI) become integral to business practices and public service delivery.
Cybersecurity remains an overarching concern for governments moving into the new year, retaining its prominent position from 2024. The necessity to comply with the Essential Eight framework, alongside the emerging Cyber Security Act, will ensure that efforts to bolster cybersecurity remain a key focus throughout 2025. This heightened emphasis on security is reflective of growing pressures to protect sensitive data and maintain public trust.
The rapid acceleration of AI adoption has shifted attention toward data management, highlighting the importance of preparing critical data for AI applications. As governments increasingly rely on cloud platforms to minimise technical debt, there is an observable trend towards enhancing analytical capabilities to support informed decision-making. The transition to cloud technology is expected to continue as governmental bodies seek to mitigate traditional risks associated with outdated systems.
When considering technology investments in 2025, Lacheca identifies differing priorities among government departments based on their missions. Agencies with a direct citizen-facing role concentrate on enhancing the citizen experience, which includes efforts to improve accessibility to services, as well as the efficiency and consistency of their workforce. In contrast, departments without direct public interaction prioritise workforce productivity, exploring various options for technological automation to optimise operations.
The reporting indicates a notable shift in the priorities of Chief Information Officers (CIOs) within government, with 2025 projected to see a substantial increase in focus on efficiency and risk management. Continuous austerity measures across Australia have prompted a conservative approach to technology investments, entwining the management of IT financials with the imperative to demonstrate the value of technology to government missions.
Key technologies earmarked for deployment in 2025 include generative AI, AI, and low-code/no-code development platforms. For citizen-facing entities, the implementation of generative AI is set to enhance the functionality of communication tools such as chatbots and virtual assistants, facilitating a move towards conversational government services. Internally, the embrace of automation reflects a shift toward agentic AI that guides decision-making processes and streamlines internal operations.
The growing preference for low-code/no-code platforms arises from the need for agility in responding to dynamic governance requirements. Such platforms allow for significant customisation without the burdens associated with traditional systems, addressing the challenges posed by legacy infrastructures. Furthermore, these technologies empower governments to adapt policies and procedural changes more swiftly, essential for modernising public service delivery.
However, the transition to these innovative platforms does not eliminate the necessity for robust change management strategies. Governments face the additional challenge of sourcing specialist skills, and low-code solutions enable organisations to cultivate necessary capabilities from within or across the market, also keeping current employees engaged.
The insights presented by Lacheca underscore the evolving landscape of AI and automation in governmental operations, highlighting essential trends that will shape how public services are rendered in the near future.
Source: Noah Wire Services