In our recent GovTech4all Café session, we delved into the transformative world of new technologies, with a special focus on rules as code (RaC) solutions and privacy-enhancing technologies (PET) in the Netherlands. The discussion centred on how these technologies can revolutionize public services, making them more proactive and accessible. Let's take a closer look at the key insights shared during this session.
Challenges in Government Services
The session began by acknowledging the challenges in making government services more proactive. Diverse IT systems across organizations and the complexities of existing infrastructures present hurdles. The need for innovative solutions became apparent as each organization often operates with its unique set of regulations and systems.
Rules as Code Solutions
One of the primary topics discussed was rules as code. This involves digitalizing regulations and creating decision trees to streamline processes. By simplifying complex rules into a digital format, citizens can receive quick answers to their queries, making government interactions more efficient. Jet Klaver from Digicampus in the Netherlands highlighted various solutions, including OpenFisca and Calculemus/FLINT, emphasizing the importance of open-source platforms for the success of rules as code implementations. During this presentation Olivier Delteil from Dinum shared their experience with OpenFisca and how it is used in New Zealand.
Privacy-Enhancing Technologies
Privacy-enhancing technologies is a collective name for various techniques for far-reaching protection of personal data in information systems. PET, including zero-knowledge proofs, were explored in the context of public services. The "red button" case in the Netherlands showcased a unique solution for managing debt without compromising sensitive information. Fully homomorphic encryption was also discussed, illustrating its potential in securely handling data for income provisions for the elderly.
Automating Benefits and Identifying Service Gaps
The discussion further touched on the potential of these technologies to automate the benefits process. For instance, a system could automatically notify relevant parties when a citizen needs assistance, without divulging specific details. Additionally, there was speculation on whether these technologies could be used to identify gaps in social services, ensuring more inclusive coverage.
Audience Interaction and Global Perspectives
The session encouraged active participation, with attendees sharing their experiences and expressing curiosity about the adoption of these technologies in different countries. A poll revealed that many participants were introduced to the concept of rules as code for the first time, highlighting the importance of collaborative platforms like GovTech4all Café in fostering knowledge exchange.
Conclusion
The café session provided a fascinating glimpse into the potential of rules as code and privacy-enhancing technologies in reshaping government services. Collaboration between academia, government, and research entities, as seen in platforms like Digicampus, emerged as a crucial factor in driving innovation. As we continue to navigate the evolving landscape of GovTech, these technologies offer exciting possibilities for creating more efficient, inclusive, and responsive public services.
Stay tuned for more insights and discussions in our future café sessions!