The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has rapidly and dramatically changed daily life around the world, and innovation is imperative to successfully move into the future.
That is why OPSI and MBRCGI have conducted a global review of the ways in which governments are transforming their operations and improving the lives of their people through innovation. This new annual report entitled “Embracing Innovation in Government: Global Trends 2020” is divided into 2 main trends which have been called: “Innovative COVID-19 Responses” and “Seamless Government”.
“Innovative COVID-19 Responses”.
Thanks to 400 responses sent from more than 60 countries, they have identified five key issues that are driving efforts to innovate in the public sector during the coronavirus crisis:
- Rapid acceleration of innovation and digital transformation: the value of many years of technological advancement has been compressed into a few weeks and months.
- Bottom-up search for ideas and solutions: channels have been built to receive solutions and knowledge from citizens and companies.
- Social solidarity and care: millions of people who want to help their communities have been activated and mobilized.
- Reduce the spread through virus tracking and adaptive action: virus tracking and contact tracing actions have been taken to “flatten the curve” and limit the spread of COVID-19.
- Forging a path to recovery: devising exit strategies and ways to get economies back on track while also re-envisioning what the new normal should be.
“Seamless Government”.
While COVID-19-related efforts remain a key focus for governments, it is important to recognize many other creative actions that are being taken to build a strong foundation to address current and future challenges. Research and analysis by OPSI and MBRCGI reveal that the most innovative countries and cities are taking steps to remove the sticking points between governments and those they serve. Three key themes are driving efforts in this area:
- Invisible government: the government shifts from being an ever-present factor in people’s lives to creating proactive and automated services.
- Matrixed government: bureaucratic and sectoral boundaries are blurred to unite different parts of society and work together to achieve goals.
- Anticipatory government: possible scenarios are explored to act and actively shape tomorrow.