Digital Transformation in the Public Sector

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Digital Transformation in the Public Sector

Introduction

Digital transformation in the public sector is an important development for every field of government. In this course, we will discuss how governments can use data to improve public services, increase citizen participation, promote transparency, and develop better policies. We will also discuss issues of interoperability, digital security, and privacy. Participants will learn about the personal records database in the Netherlands, visit practical examples of spatial planning and digital service delivery, and reflect on the applicability in their own context. This way, the course helps participants to effectively implement and modernise digital transformation initiatives and steer digital governance in area of influence.

The course focuses on the policy dimensions of digital transformation, bridging the gap between policy and technology. It’s practice-oriented, with expert insights from both the public and private sectors, emphasizing practical applications in diverse contexts.

Key Learning Areas:

Interoperability: A critical factor for enabling different government systems to seamlessly exchange and integrate data. Dutch government practitioners from the National Office for Identity Data show how interoperability improves public service delivery and operational efficiency.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): We will explore the innovative uses of AI in the Dutch government, such as improving decision-making, enhancing citizen services, and automating administrative tasks.
Cybersecurity: We will discuss how to strategize for maintaining security with increasing digital threats, understanding key considerations to protect sensitive government data and maintain robust cybersecurity.
Change Management: The focus on will be on managing the organisational change and the expected challenges in order to ensure smooth transitions and gaining stakeholder buy-in.
Critical Success Factors for Government Apps: We will explore what makes a government app successful, from user experience to ensuring accessibility for all citizens.
Inclusivity: Digital public services should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or technical ability. We will discuss how to design and implement inclusive digital services that reach all demographics.

Key Information

This course is intended for policy and decision makers at national, regional, and local levels, as well as project managers and development professionals. Gain practical insights about digital transformation in the public sector from global examples and case studies. The course will cover both the opportunities for more effective city management and citizen engagement. Together with experts, we explore the challenges for digital transformation related to interoperability, usage of AI, privacy, and security.

The course will take place in The Hague from 2 to 10 December 2024.

The course fee is € 2.950*. Group discounts are available if you participate with three or more colleagues.

This training takes place in The Hague, Netherlands.

After this course, participants will receive a professional certificate of completion from The Hague Academy for Local Governance.

*Professionals working in local government or for local NGOs on the DAC list of ODA-recipient countries (OECD) may qualify for a reduced course fee. Contact us for details.

Learning objectives

After this course, you will receive a professional certificate of completion from The Hague Academy for Local Governance.

This course will help you:

Understand the main concepts used in e-government.

Recognise the different elements of data driven working and the importance of transparency, inclusivity and participation.

Recognise the importance of interoperability for effective service delivery and implementation.

Understand the different components of digital security and privacy issues, including cybercrime and hacking personal data.

Increase insight in the experiences from different parts of the world and ‘universal’ cultural differences.

Gain practical knowledge on how e-government is applied for services by different government organisations.

Experience

During the course, participants will join the Smart Scheveningen: Data-Driven Public Service Tour to explore how data drives public services. Additionally, experts, including Mohammad Sear, Professor of Digital Government and Innovation at Science Po, and MENA Start Up Leader Ernst & Young; and Tamas Erkelens, Interim Change Manager at the Dutch Government; will provide practical insights into digital transformation. You will also visit Dutch governmental bodies to observe how they integrate interoperability, AI, and cybersecurity into their operations. These hands-on experiences will allow participants to witness first-hand how data and technology are reshaping public governance and enhancing decision-making processes.

Practical information

Find the practical information for the course here.

Payment
After submitting your completed application, you will receive a confirmation of receipt. Once we have assessed your application and admitted you to the course, we will send you an invoice with payment details. The payment deadline is 4-weeks prior to the start of the training course.

Payments can be made by bank transfer or by PayPal request. We offer the option of paying in one or two instalments. An advance payment of 50% secures reservation of a seat on the training until the payment deadline. Your participation in the course is guaranteed only after receipt of full payment before the 4-week deadline.

If we do not receive your payment before the deadline, then we will cancel your reservation. Please note that The Hague Academy accepts registrations on a first-paid, first-served policy.
Visa Applications
Some countries require a visa to enter the Netherlands. Please check with The Netherlands or the embassy for the visa requirements related to your country. Because of the length of time needed for the visa procedure, we advise you to start this process as soon as possible. Once we have received your payment for the course, The Hague Academy will send you an acceptance letter which will assist you in arranging your visa to The Netherlands.
Cancellation
Under certain circumstances, participants may need to cancel their participation in the course. For cancellations before the payment deadline, we will reimburse the paid amounts minus an administration fee of €350.

To prevent late cancellation, we strongly encourage you to start with your visa application procedure at least six weeks before the start of the training programme.

We will charge a cancellation fee of 50% of the course fee for participants cancelling between four and two weeks prior to the start of the training. If you cancel your participation within the two-week period before the start of the course, then you have to pay 80% of the course fee.

No-show will result in paying 100% of the course fee.

It is always possible to nominate a suitably qualified candidate to replace you without extra charge, in the event that you cannot attend the course.

The Hague Academy for Local Governance reserves the right to cancel a course if the number of participants is insufficient or due to any other unforeseen circumstances. In this case, your payment will be 100% reimbursed. Other costs such as transportation or hotel cannot be reimbursed.

Scholarships

The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs offers MSP scholarships for training courses in the Netherlands. The MENA Scholarship Programme (MSP) aims to enhance the skills, instincts, and abilities of professionals, empowering their organizations and communities to thrive in an ever-changing world.

For more information and eligibility criteria, please visit our Scholarships page. Note that scholarships have a separate application process.

Scholarships page