Creating the conditions for real innovation in public services

How do we create the conditions for genuine innovation in public services?

It’s a question I recently explored with Paul Scully and Asad Ansari on The Digital State Podcast, where we discussed government and industry collaboration, procurement, AI and what needs to change if we are to realise the potential of new technology across the public sector.

One thing stood out for me, the timing of those conversations matters.

Real innovation starts earlier

By the time a major technology requirement reaches procurement, many of the parameters have already been established. Requirements have been defined and contracts are structured around delivering them.

That can make it difficult to create space for genuinely different thinking.

During the podcast, I described this as the difference between “innovation with a capital I” and “innovation with a little I.”

There will always be opportunities to improve and optimise delivery once a contract is underway. But if we want to challenge assumptions and consider fundamentally different approaches, those conversations need to happen earlier.

Pre-procurement engagement gives government an opportunity to draw on expertise from across industry while outcomes are still being shaped, rather than asking the market to respond once much of the answer has already been determined.

Partnership has to be built on trust

Earlier engagement also requires trust.

There can understandably be a perception that engaging industry means being sold to. But a genuine advisory relationship sometimes means being prepared to say we aren't the right organisation for this.

There are occasions where we can help shape thinking or provide advice while recognising that another organisation may be better placed to deliver the eventual solution.

The same principle applies to the wider partner ecosystem. Working with trusted specialist organisations can bring different voices, ideas, skills and capabilities into the conversation.

No single organisation has every answer. Better outcomes come from bringing the right expertise together around the problem.

Looking beyond the AI hype

The pace of AI development makes these conversations even more important.

In the podcast, I described AI as “the most overhyped thing I think I’ve seen in my career, but… possibly also the most impactful.”

Those two things can coexist.

AI is already creating opportunities to work differently and more efficiently. But it isn't a magic answer to every technology challenge. Realising its potential requires experience, governance and clarity about the problem we are trying to solve.

Whether we're talking about AI, procurement or the future of digital public services, technology alone isn't the answer. Creating the right environment for government, industry and specialist partners to share expertise and challenge thinking earlier could be just as important as the technology itself.

Continue the conversation

These are just some of the issues we explored in The Digital State Podcast, from how government can make better use of industry expertise to the realities of AI, innovation and delivering technology across the public sector.

Want to hear more? Watch the full conversation on AI, innovation and the future of public services.

Watch the full podcast