Intergrated Capacity Building Approach for Digital Government Transformation

The 'Integrated Capacity Building Approach for Digital Government Transformation' project initiated in June 2023 is an ongoing endeavor focused on revolutionizing governmental operations through digital transformation. As technology permeates society, its impact on governance and service delivery is undeniable. Embracing digitalization is essential for governments to enhance service accessibility, transparency, efficiency, and citizen engagement. The project's core aim is to create a citizen-centric government, requiring a fundamental shift in government operations and public engagement. This necessitates a cultural transformation within governmental bodies and broader society, promoting innovation, transparency, and agility through the adoption of digital solutions.

The strategy involves an integrated governance capacity approach, consisting of four key initiatives. These include the Digital Maturity Model (DMM) for assessing and advancing organizational digital maturity, the Chief Digital Information Officer (CDIO) to identify and empower digital leadership, the Digital Transformation Unit (DTU) for steering and sustaining digital transformation, and the NextGenGov Initiative along with the Digital Government Competency Framework to identify and nurture competent individuals for digital transformation.

The project's primary objectives revolve around boosting public sector capacity, rapid digital transformation, and establishing a citizen-centric, digitally adept government. To achieve this, the project's scope encompasses the adoption of the Integrated Capacity Building Approach across all government sector organizations. The step-by-step implementation involves raising awareness, assessing digital maturity, identifying competency gaps, conducting capacity-building programs, selecting and capacitating CDIOs, and establishing the DTU.

The project engages various stakeholders, including government organizations, officials, industry partners, and academia. The primary target audience comprises government organizations and officials within Ministries, Departments, and SOEs. Currently, the project has commenced in 21 identified Critical Infrastructure Information (CII) organizations.

Looking ahead, the project aims to expand its reach to 50 CII organizations and ultimately scale up to encompass the entire Government of Sri Lanka. This expansion will further the goals of a digitally adept government, fostering innovation, transparency, and improved service delivery to citizens.