Digital transformation academy for Public Sector

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.

Saulėtekio 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.

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.