The first GovTech4All Café of the year has taken place, an inspiring session focused on the OECD's recently launched report and framework for GovTech. The keynote speakers, Felipe González-Zapata and Julian Olsen from the OECD, presented the report's key points and shared insights on how GovTech can drive the digital transformation of the public sector. Participants engaged in a valuable discussion covering everything from strategic leadership to practical implementations.

OECD’s Work on GovTech

Felipe González-Zapata opened the presentation with an overview of the OECD's work on digital government, particularly their policy analyses and indicators such as the Digital Government Index and the Open, Useful, and Reusable Data Index. He emphasized that GovTech plays a crucial role in strengthening the public sector’s capacity to implement digital strategies and enhance its ability to innovate.

The OECD defines GovTech as a collaboration between public sector actors and startups, innovators, entrepreneurs, and academia to develop and implement digital solutions. A key aspect is fostering stronger collaboration mechanisms between the public and private sectors, which is essential for addressing complex societal challenges and improving digital governance.

OECD’s GovTech Framework

To clarify what GovTech entails, the OECD has developed a framework with two main components: GovTech Building Blocks and GovTech Enablers.

GovTech Building Blocks:

1. Digital Infrastructure – Strong and well-functioning digital systems are essential for the development and scalability of GovTech. This includes access to public data, APIs, and interoperable systems.
2. Capacity for Collaboration and Experimentation – A public sector driven by innovation requires flexible working methods and openness to testing new solutions.
3. Resources and Implementation Support – Funding, clear governance models, and support structures are crucial to facilitating collaboration between startups and public actors.

GovTech Enablers:

1. Strategic Leadership and Policy Development – A clear strategy and political anchoring are vital for integrating GovTech into digital transformation efforts within the public sector.
2. Institutional Arrangements – Dedicated teams and authorities are needed to drive the GovTech agenda and establish long-term collaborations.

Networks and Collaboration Models – International and national partnerships are key to fostering knowledge exchange and innovation.

Panel Discussion and Reflections

Following the presentation, participants engaged in a lively discussion. The importance of European collaboration was highlighted, especially in light of geopolitical changes that are making innovation and competitiveness increasingly central.

One key topic was the varying approaches to GovTech. The OECD emphasizes its innovation-driven and collaboration-based aspects, whereas others view GovTech as a broader concept, nearly synonymous with digital governance.

Another crucial issue was funding and sustainability. Norway’s former GovTech program, StartOff, was highlighted as a successful example of public-private collaboration. However, despite its success, it was discontinued due to a lack of funding and strategic support. This underscores the need to build long-term structures to ensure that GovTech initiatives can develop and have lasting impact.

The Future of GovTech in Europe

The OECD’s analysis revealed that more countries need to develop strategic guidelines and funding mechanisms for GovTech. Currently, only 27% of OECD member countries have dedicated training programs for public sector officials in GovTech, and only 40% have specific funding models.

Participants agreed that international collaboration and knowledge exchange are crucial to strengthening Europe's competitiveness in digital government and public sector innovation.

Conclusion

This GovTech4All Café provided deep insights into the OECD's work on GovTech and how different countries can benefit from their framework. The discussion emphasized the importance of strategic leadership, funding, and collaboration models in building a sustainable and innovative public sector. With continued dialogue and cooperation, GovTech has the potential to play a decisive role in Europe's digital transformation.

 

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This blog post captures the key insights from our latest GovTech4All Café, where the OECD’s GovTech Policy Framework took center stage. The discussion highlighted how public-private collaboration, digital infrastructure, and strategic governance can accelerate digital transformation in the public sector. By fostering innovation and agile partnerships, GovTech empowers governments to create smarter, more inclusive services. Read on to explore the challenges, opportunities, and future collaborations shaping the GovTech landscape.