Emerging technology and innovation for Arab public institutions – new ENACT reports

KEY MESSAGES

1. Governments need to recognize the potential and importance of DPI an embrace it as a tool for transformation.
2. Follow a tailored approach when with recommendations, as it is essential to reflect the data maturity varieties in the Arab region. Foster regional collaboration and share critical resources to bridge the digital divide through ethical governance and inclusivity.
3. Rather than an exceptional activity, innovation in public institutions should be made part of the day-to-day work of government, and it should be approached in a spirit of co-creation instead of viewed as standalone work.
4. Build a critical skillset for public innovation that involves identifying tangible needs that brings value, keeping ambitions in check, by starting small to guarantee success and then upscale, finding a way to start with small innovations amidst many visions, engaging in dialogue and building on what already exist rather than breaking and starting new, using innovation when crises strike to build back better, and using innovation as a pathway to co-creation and finally peace.
5. Digital Public Infrastructure (e-identity, e-payments, data exchange) plays a fundamental role in digital transformation.
6. To achieve a successful digital transformation in the Arab public sector, the report calls for a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach to innovation, with a focus on creating an enabling policy environment.
7. A vision for the future: Emphasize DPI, policy and collaboration and efficient, inclusive, sustainable digital governance.
8. The evolving relationship between Governments and citizens in the Arab region, highlighted by a growing demand for transparency, efficiency, and better service delivery, underscores the urgency for digital transformation in public institutions.
9. Harnessing technology and innovation can transform public institutions in the Arab region. By focusing on responsiveness, inclusiveness, trustworthiness and effectiveness (RITE) principles, advancements can streamline service delivery, empower citizen participation in development, and ultimately strengthen good governance.
10. By utilizing emerging technologies for the digitalization and integration of their services, Arab public institutions can advance the digital society and economy and accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDGs 9, 16 and 17, while aligning with the principles of emerging global frameworks.
11. By integrating a citizen-centric approach, particularly through interactive digital public services, public sector innovations in the Arab region can ensure user-centricity, responsiveness and inclusivity. This will foster deeper citizen engagement, leading to services that directly address people’s needs and deliver tangible outcomes. Trust will build between Governments and citizens, creating a cycle of participation and effective governance.
12. For Arab countries to fully harness the benefits of digital transformation, it is imperative for them to develop comprehensive digital strategies that are tailored to specific national and regional contexts, emphasizing the development of human capital and digital infrastructure. To achieve a successful digital transformation in the Arab public sector, the report calls for a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach to innovation, with a focus on creating an enabling policy environment.