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European Digital Innovation Hubs Network

Digital transformation academy for Public Sector

Digital transformation academy for Public Sector
Published at 01 October 2024 | Lithuania

General details

EDIHs involved

Customer

Customer type: PSO
Customer size: Mid-cap (500-2999)

Services provided
Training and skills development
Technologies
Artificial Intelligence & Decision support
Cybersecurity
Sectors
Public administration

Challenges

Public sector organisations are typically large, complex entities with diverse departments and employees with varying skill sets. These organisations recognise the importance of continuous employee development, particularly in digital skills.

However, the current training landscape focuses primarily on specific technology applications. There's a noticeable lack of comprehensive programs that provide a deep understanding of digital transformation and how each employee can contribute to it.

This gap hinders the public sector's ability to fully embrace digitalisation and leverage its benefits.

To bridge this gap, comprehensive training programs are needed that go beyond technical skills. These programs should:

  1. Define Digital Transformation: Clearly explain the concept of digital transformation, its implications, and its benefits for the public sector.

  2. Foster a Digital Mindset: Cultivate a culture that embraces change, innovation, and the use of technology to improve processes and services.

  3. Highlight Individual Roles: Demonstrate how employees at all levels can contribute to digital transformation, regardless of their specific job functions.

  4. Provide Practical Skills: Equip employees with the necessary skills to navigate digital tools, analyse data, and collaborate effectively in a digital environment.

  5. Encourage Continuous Learning: Promote ongoing professional development to keep pace with the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

By investing in such comprehensive training, public sector organisations can empower their employees to become active participants in digital transformation, leading to improved efficiency, innovation, and citizen services.

Solutions

InvitationSaulėtekio Tech Park, through the EDIH Vilnius project, has developed a concise training cycle aimed at providing participants with a foundational understanding of digital transformation. The cycle comprises 12 distinct topics, each explored in a dedicated four-hour session:

  • Digital Strategy & Digital Preparedness

  • AI and how businesses can tame it

  • Employee engagement and empowerment + change management, lifelong learning. Why digitalisation is important for each of us

  • Cybersecurity

  • Automation and AI (ChatGPT, overview of AI tools)

  • Effective implementation of CRM in the company. Why do I need CRM?

  • Business Management Systems

  • Automate Workshop

  • Data management/management (GDPR)

  • Digital marketing I (social networks, newsletters, canva, other digital tools, google ads, trends, analytics)

  • Digital Marketing II (wordpress, canva, other digitisation tools)

  • Project/job planning platforms (Jira, Asana, Trello, Clickup, Miro, Mural) + digital internal communication (in-house)

In designing this training, accessibility for participants with diverse levels of experience and knowledge was a priority. To achieve this, a maximum of two sessions per week was established. Additionally, a brief survey indicated Friday mornings as the preferred time slot. The sessions were conducted remotely.

This approach ensures that the training is manageable and adaptable to various schedules, encouraging wider participation. The focus on fundamental concepts makes it suitable for individuals at any stage of their digital journey, fostering a broader understanding of digital transformation across the public sector.

Results and Benefits

The training program launch generated significant interest, with over 200 registrations, exceeding the organiser's expectations. Participants gained valuable knowledge about digital transformation, applicable to their daily work.

Measurable Results and Benefits:

  • Quantitative:

    • High demand: Over 200 registrations indicate a strong need for such training in the public and private sectors.

    • Increased digital literacy: Participants demonstrated improved understanding of digital transformation concepts.

  • Qualitative:

    • Empowered workforce: Participants are equipped to initiate and support digital transformation initiatives within their organisations.

    • Enhanced organisational capabilities: Increased digital literacy contributes to improved efficiency, innovation, and competitiveness.

Impact on Customer/EDIH:

  • Customer:

    • Upskilled workforce: Employees are now better prepared to navigate the digital landscape and contribute to organisational goals.

    • Increased awareness: The program fostered a greater understanding of the importance of digital transformation.

  • EDIH:

    • Successful program delivery: The high registration and positive feedback validate the effectiveness of EDIH's training approach.

    • Expanded reach: The program enhanced EDIH's reputation as a provider of valuable digital skills training.

Newly Acquired Capabilities:

  • Customer:

    • Proactive approach to digitalisation: Organisations can now confidently identify and implement digital solutions.

    • Strategic decision-making: Improved understanding enables informed choices regarding technology investments.

  • EDIH:

    • Model program: The successful training can serve as a template for future initiatives, potentially expanding its offerings and impact.

Perceived social/economic impact

Social Impacts:

  • Improved Public Services: A more digitally skilled public sector workforce can lead to more efficient and user-friendly online services, accessible to a wider range of citizens.

  • Increased Digital Inclusion: By promoting digital literacy, the program indirectly contributes to reducing the digital divide, ensuring that all members of society can participate in the digital economy.

  • Enhanced Civic Engagement: Digitally empowered citizens are better equipped to engage with government initiatives, access information, and participate in decision-making processes.

Economic Impacts:

  • Increased Productivity: Upskilling the workforce with digital tools and knowledge can lead to streamlined processes and improved productivity in both the public and private sectors.

  • Innovation and Growth: A digitally competent workforce is more likely to embrace new technologies and drive innovation, contributing to economic growth.

  • Attracting Investment: Demonstrating a commitment to digital skills development can make the region more attractive to businesses and investors, stimulating economic activity.

Measurable Examples (Potential):

  • Reduction in Service Processing Times: Public sector organisations may see a decrease in the time it takes to process applications or requests due to improved digital workflows.

  • Increase in Online Service Usage: A rise in the number of citizens accessing public services online could indicate improved accessibility and digital inclusion.

  • Higher Employee Satisfaction: Surveys or feedback could reveal increased job satisfaction among employees who feel empowered by their new digital skills.

  • Economic Growth Indicators: Regional economic data could show improvements in productivity, innovation output, or business investment over time.

Measurable data

  • The high registration number, over 200, suggests a strong demand for digital skills training and potentially indicates a skills gap in the target audience.

  • Positive participant feedback supports the claim that the training was effective in increasing knowledge and confidence.

Lessons learned

From the perspective of EDIH and/or the customer, here are some key takeaways:

What Worked:

  • Trust-Based Partnership: Mutual trust between the client and EDIH was crucial. This allowed the client to confidently promote the training within their organization, boosting registration numbers.

  • Incentivised Participation: Offering certificates for completing 70% of the training encouraged attendance and engagement.

  • No Recordings: The decision not to record sessions likely increased live attendance, as participants couldn't rely on catching up later.

  • Expert Instructors: Subject-matter experts ensured high-quality content, reflected in positive participant feedback.

What Didn't Work (or Could Be Improved):

  • For future iterations, EDIHs and customers could consider gathering more specific feedback on areas for improvement. This could include post-training surveys or follow-up discussions to identify any challenges or unmet needs.

Advice to other EDIHs and/or SMEs/PSOs:

  • Cultivate Trust: Building strong relationships with clients is essential for successful collaboration and program promotion.

  • Incentivise Participation: Consider offering certificates, recognition, or other rewards to encourage engagement.

  • Evaluate Recording Policies: Carefully weigh the pros and cons of recording sessions, considering their impact on attendance and learning outcomes.

  • Prioritise Expertise: Invest in qualified instructors who can deliver engaging and informative content.

  • Gather Feedback: Actively seek feedback from participants to identify areas for improvement and ensure continuous program enhancement.