Digital Transformation in the Public Sector

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Digital Transformation in the Public Sector

Introduction

Governments across the globe are increasingly recognising the potential of digitalisation for the improvement of public services, government transparency and communication with citizens. Yet digital transformation is not only about installing new technologies. It requires institutional readiness, informed policy choices and a culture of innovation. At the heart of this process lies the need for strategic leadership, inclusive thinking and cross-sector collaboration.

This course responds to these challenges by supporting professionals from government institutions and development organisations to better understand and shape digital transformation in the public sector. Through hands-on sessions, expert facilitation, peer exchange and visits to pioneering Dutch institutions, participants will explore how digitalisation can drive good governance, citizen participation and more adaptive institutions.

The course highlights key themes such as organisational change management, responsible integration of artificial intelligence, data driven working and public data ethics, as well as cyber security resilience. Participants will discuss digital reforms from a policy perspective, with a strong focus on governance models, institutional culture and citizen engagement. Practical tools, real-world examples and action planning will help participants apply what they learn in their own institutional contexts.

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.

Digital public infrastructure can help solve today’s challenges. Building safe and secure digital systems improves access to public services, helps scientists better understand and respond to the climate crisis, and can mitigate and prevent future pandemics.

António Guterres, Secretary‑General of the United Nations

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.

Particularly relevant for professionals working in e-government and innovation units, ICT departments in local or central government, smart city and digital inclusion initiatives, public service design or citizen engagement teams.

The course will take place in The Hague from 16 November 2026 to 20 November 2026.

The course fee is € 2,950 *. This includes all training related costs as well as drinks and warm lunches during the training days. Group discounts are available if organisations 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

The course helps participants to:

Conduct a digital maturity assessment of their organisation and identify priority areas for needed development and improvement

Integrate important policy aspects for designing digital public services that are inclusive, accessible and responsive to diverse community needs

Apply change management approaches to lead digital reform within public institutions or development initiatives

Integrate data-driven decision-making practices into policy development and service delivery

Analyse ethical and legal aspects of Artificial Intelligence and identify success factors for effective and responsible AI integration in the public sector

Develop a practical action plan that applies the course learnings in their home countries or organisations through a structured change management approach

Experts

Experts (previously) involved in this course:

Dr. Dara Sherwani

Acting Head of the Information Science Department and Assistant Professor at the American University of Kurdistan, Dr.  Sherwani researches user trust in online content and predictive social media behaviors.

Shahenda ElNaggar

Shahenda is an expert in digital governance, and programme manager and trainer at The Hague Academy with a focus on the MENA Region. She holds a Joint MA in Public Policy with a focus on Political Economy and Development from Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) and from the Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF).

Jèron Perus

Jeron Perus is a strategic advisor at the National Office for Identity Data of the Ministry of Interior, which is the Dutch authority that safeguards the use of citizens’ data.

Experience

The training programmed is designed to be interactive and grounded in real-world practice. Participants engage in self-assessment, structured group discussions, and collaborative exercises throughout. Previous editions of the course included visits to several Dutch governmental institutions and innovation hubs that are advancing digital governance:

At the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, participants learn about how the ministry enhances online citizen participation around infrastructure projects in the Netherlands.
At the Utrecht Data Walking Tour, participants experience how the municipality uses data to improve public services.
The Municipality of The Hague, where participants visit city innovation teams and explore how data is used to improve operational efficiency and service design.

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.

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 the reservation of a seat at the training until the payment deadline, one week prior to the course start date. Your participation in the course is guaranteed only after receipt of full payment.

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
We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise, necessitating the cancellation of your attendance. In such cases, please be aware of our cancellation policy:
- For cancellations due to circumstances beyond your control, a reimbursement can be arranged, subject to an administration fee of €350.
- Cancellations made between four and two weeks before the training commences will incur a charge equivalent to 50% of the course fee.
- Cancellations made within two weeks of the training start date, will result in an 80% charge of the fee.
- In the event of a no-show, there will be a 100% charge of the fee.
- Alternatively, you may nominate a qualified substitute to attend the course in your place at no additional cost.
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.