Digital and Technology in 2023
- The Crown Consulting Group
- Mar 23, 2023
- 11 min read
We have put together a short post about the digital trends and technologies that we feel will play a keen role in 2023 and the coming years.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) - AI and ML can be used to automate administrative tasks and improve decision-making, resulting in faster and more accurate services.
Internet of Things (IoT) - The IoT can enable the government to collect data in real-time from sensors and devices, which can help in monitoring and improving services.
Blockchain - Blockchain technology can help the government to securely and transparently store and share data, enabling efficient and secure delivery of services.
Cloud Computing - Cloud computing can help the government to store and access large amounts of data and applications, resulting in more flexible and scalable services.
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) - AR and VR can be used to enhance citizen engagement and provide immersive experiences for training and education.
Robotics - Robotics can be used to automate repetitive and dangerous tasks, resulting in more efficient and safer services.
5G - 5G can enable faster and more reliable connectivity, which can support the development of new services such as autonomous vehicles and remote healthcare.
Biometrics - Biometrics can be used for secure authentication and identification, which can help in preventing fraud and improving the delivery of services.
Quantum Computing - Quantum computing can help in solving complex problems and developing new technologies, which can lead to more efficient and effective services.
Edge Computing - Edge computing can help in processing data in real-time at the edge of the network, which can improve the delivery of services that require low latency and high reliability.
It's important to note that these technologies are constantly evolving, and it's difficult to predict how they will impact the services and service delivery over the next five years. However, they are likely to play a significant role in shaping the future.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
AI and ML are technologies that enable machines to learn from data and make decisions without explicit instructions from human inputs.
This involves the use of algorithms that can identify patterns and make predictions based on large amounts of data.
These technologies are already being used in a variety of industries including, finance and healthcare.
They can be used to automate administrative tasks and improve the decision-making processes.
AI and ML could be used to improve the delivery of services to citizens by;
It could be used to automate the processing of paperwork, freeing up staff to focus on more complex tasks.
It could also be used to analyse data and make predictions about service demand, enabling more efficient resource allocation.
AI and ML could be used to develop chatbots and virtual assistants that can provide users with a more personalised approach.
To develop these opportunities, industries will need to invest in the necessary technology infrastructure and data processing capabilities. It would also need to ensure that staff have the necessary skills to work with these technologies.
Additionally, citizens will need to be comfortable with the use of AI and ML in service delivery, and that there are appropriate regulations in place to protect citizens' privacy.
Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the network of devices, sensors, and other objects that are connected to the internet and can collect and share data.
This includes everything from smartphones to smart homes and can be used to monitor and control a wide range of systems and processes.
Industry could use IoT to improve the delivery of services in the following ways;
It could be used to monitor traffic flow and adjust traffic lights accordingly, improving transportation efficiency.
It could also be used to monitor air quality and alert citizens to health risks.
It could be used to monitor public spaces and detect security threats and notify the appropriate authorities.
In order to develop these opportunities infrastructure and data processing capabilities will be required. Appropriate regulations will need to be in place to protect privacy and data security.
Additionally, as much of the successes outlined above depend on the gathering and analysis of data, the measures to collect this data will need to be carefully considered, planned and executed.
Distributed ledgers (blockchain)
Blockchain is a distributed ledger technology that allows multiple parties to securely and transparently store and share information (data).
Blockchain technology is often associated with cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, but it has a wide range of potential applications, including in service delivery and digital transformation.
Industries could use blockchain to improve the delivery of services in a number of ways. For example;
It could be used to securely store and share citizens' personal data, such as health records and tax information;
It could be used to facilitate the generation and sharing of digital identification records for which the user retains control;
It could also be used to track the supply chain of goods and services, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Additionally, blockchain could be used to facilitate secure and transparent voting.
In order to develop these potential opportunities, investment in the necessary infrastructure, data processing capabilities and in-house skills will be of critical importance.
Collaborative working with partners in the space will help to ensure the necessary decentralised ledger platforms and protocols are developed and implemented in a way that will help to realise a common objective. Additionally, industries of all kinds would need to ensure that appropriate regulations are in place to protect the rights and freedoms of citizens.
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing allows users to access computing resources such as storage, processing power, and software applications over the internet without the need to have any physical infrastructure in place. It enables users to store and access large amounts of data and applications without the need for on-premise hardware and the associated high costs.
Cloud computing may be used to improve the delivery of services in a number of ways. We have seen many instances of cloud computing over the last decade. It has shaped and enabled transformation programmes irrespective of industry or organisation. In summary, cloud computing can enable you to;
Store and process large amounts of data;
Develop and deploy applications more quickly and efficiently, reducing development costs and improving service delivery times; And
Support remote work, enabling staff to access systems and data from anywhere with an internet connection. We have, and continue to see, rapid growth in this area following and in response to the pandemic.
Many organisation have seen substantial growth and transformation, partly enabled by the progression of cloud computing. Continued progression in the area will require organisation to invest in the ensuring their users are enabled and sufficiently empowered to use new technologies.
As with any type of technology a well defined understanding of the process the technology is supporting and the users it is enabling is critical.
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are technologies that enable users to experience computer-generated content in a more immersive way.
AR overlays digital content onto the real world, while VR creates a completely digital environment.
AR and VR could be used to transform service development and delivery by;
Providing users with immersive experiences;
It could also be used to provide virtual training environments for staff, reducing the need for travel and in-person training;
Helping to reduce carbon output by enabling virtual alternatives; And
To provide citizens with virtual consultations for a varied and range of appointments.
Invest in the necessary AR and VR hardware and software will be a first step enabler. Collaboration between organisations agnostic of industry will also be important, this will help to gain a collective understanding of what users need and what their appetite is.
Further, immediate consideration will need to be given to ensure the rights and freedoms of individuals. Data protection including storage and usage of personal and sensitive information will be important.
Robotics
Robotics is a technology that involves the development and use of machines that can perform tasks autonomously or with minimal human intervention.
This includes everything from automated manufacturing systems to drones and autonomous vehicles.
Robotics may be used to;
Automate repetitive and dangerous tasks, reducing the risk of injury and improving efficiency;
It could also be used to provide remote monitoring and maintenance of critical infrastructure such as power plants and transportation systems; And
Used to provide more personalised and efficient healthcare services, such as robotic surgery and eldercare.
To develop opportunities organisations will need to understand by conducting a deep dive discovery into how robotics could be, or is being, used to transform industry. This will vary greatly depending on your organisation but it key foundational step.
As outlined above, collaborative working across industry backgrounds would be a very wise additional step - being able to benefit for user needs and initiatives outside your organisations immediate demographic will help you to gain a better understanding of robotics, how it is being used and how you may benefit from its usages.
5G
5G provides faster and more reliable wireless connectivity than previous generations of mobile networks. This technology can enable the development of new applications and services that require low latency and high bandwidth, such as autonomous vehicles and remote healthcare.
5G could be used to improve the delivery of services in a number of ways;
It could be used to provide high-speed internet access to remote areas;
Improve access to digital services for a range of users;
Enable previously barred users to access and engage with a service;
It could also be used to support the development of autonomous vehicles and drones;
Improve transportation efficiency and safety; And
Enable enhancements to remote services such as cloud computing and support remote working.
To develop these opportunities installation of new network infrastructure and the development of new applications and services that leverage 5G capabilities are mandatory.
Providing users with devices and the technology to access the 5G network and ensure users have had, are are able to access, adequate training to enable them to use new technologies.
Biometrics
Biometrics refers to the use of unique physical or behavioural characteristics, such as fingerprints, facial recognition, and voice recognition, to identify and verify individuals.
Biometrics is a technology that the majority of us use multiple times each day, facial/ fingerprint recognition to unlock devices, authenticate ourselves and approve purchases.
As above, biometrics are used by many of us multiples times each day. However, to further explore opportunities it may be used to;
Improve security in airports and border control by verifying individuals' identities quickly and accurately;
Prevent identity fraud in welfare and benefit programs, ensuring that payments go to the right people;
Improve accessibility to government services, allowing individuals to verify their identities remotely without the need for physical documents;
To develop these opportunities invest in the necessary biometric hardware and software. This includes the development of biometric systems and applications that can be used to identify and verify individuals quickly and accurately.
Additionally, ensuring that biometric technologies are deployed in a way that protects individuals' privacy and data security.
From our recent work within the field of digital identity, for which biometrics are a critical enabler, we can attest the importance of cross industry collective working. Whatever your industry, look beyond your immediate peers to discovery what other industries are doing.
Quantum Computing
Quantum computing refers to a type of computing that uses quantum-mechanical phenomena, such as superposition and entanglement, to perform calculations.
Quantum computing has the potential to perform complex calculations that are currently impossible with traditional computing methods.
Quantum computing could be used to improve the delivery of service in a number of ways;
It could be used to improve the efficiency and accuracy of simulations, such as those used in weather forecasting and drug development;
Improve the security of data and communications, as it has the potential to break current encryption methods;
Optimising logistics and supply chain management, reducing costs and improving delivery times; And
Helping to improve customer satisfaction by streamlining service/ product delivery workflows.
In order to benefit from the potential of quantum computing organisations must consider the development of quantum computing algorithms and systems that can be used to perform complex calculations.
Edge Computing
Edge computing refers to a type of computing that processes and analyses data near the source of the data, rather than in a centralised data centre.
Edge computing has the potential to improve the speed and efficiency of data processing, especially for applications that require real-time responses.
A common aspiration we encounter are organisation wanting to be more proactive then reactive, edge computing has the potential to help realise many of these aspirations.
Furthermore edge computing could be used to release benefit in regards;
Improving the speed and accuracy of traffic management systems, allowing for real-time adjustments to traffic flow;
Improve the speed and efficiency of emergency response systems, allowing for faster and more accurate responses to incidents; And
Improve the performance of IoT devices, allowing for more efficient data processing and analysis.
Investment in the necessary edge computing hardware and software will be a pre-requisite. This would extend to, but may not be limited to, the development of edge computing systems and applications that can be used to process and analyse data in real-time.
Additionally, organisation would need to rethink internal workflows to help enable them to consume and act on the revised provision of data.
Opportunities for optimisation
AI and ML could be used to automate administrative tasks and improve decision-making, resulting in faster and more accurate services. For example, chatbots powered by AI can provide immediate responses to common queries from citizens.
IoT could be used to collect data in real-time from sensors and devices, which can help in monitoring and improving services. For example, smart traffic lights can help in reducing traffic congestion and improving traffic flow.
Blockchain technology could be used to securely and transparently store and share data, enabling efficient and secure delivery of services. For example, blockchain can be used to securely share citizen health data between healthcare providers.
Cloud Computing could be used to enhance and store and access large amounts of data and applications, resulting in more flexible and scalable services. For example, cloud-based systems can help in delivering citizen-facing services such as tax and benefits.
AR and VR could be used to enhance citizen engagement and provide immersive experiences for training and education. For example, virtual tours can be used to showcase the history and culture of the UK to tourists.
Robotics could be used to automate repetitive and dangerous tasks, resulting in more efficient and safer services. For example, robots can be used for automated warehouse management and inspection of infrastructure such as bridges and tunnels.
5G could be used to enable faster and more reliable connectivity, which can support the development of new services such as autonomous vehicles and remote healthcare. For example, 5G can enable real-time remote medical consultations with doctors.
Biometrics could be used for secure authentication and identification, which can help in preventing fraud and improving the delivery of services. For example, biometrics can be used for secure passport verification and access control to secure areas.
Quantum Computing could be used to help in solving complex problems and developing new technologies, which can lead to more efficient and effective services. For example, quantum computing can be used to optimize supply chain management and reduce costs.
Edge Computing could be used to process data in real-time at the edge of the network, which can improve the delivery of services that require low latency and high reliability. For example, edge computing can be used for traffic management systems to ensure real-time traffic data analysis and response.
Conclusion
The technologies discussed above have significant potential to improve the way that services are delivered to citizens. By leveraging these technologies correctly organisations can provide citizens with faster, more efficient, and more accessible services. For example, AI and ML can help to automate administrative tasks and improve decision-making, leading to faster and more accurate services. The IoT can enable the collection of data in real-time from sensors and devices, providing valuable insights that can be used to monitor and improve services.
Blockchain technology can help to securely store and share data, enabling efficient and secure delivery of services. Cloud computing can support the storage and access large amounts of data and applications, resulting in more flexible and scalable services. AR and VR can enhance citizen engagement and provide immersive experiences for training and education, resulting in better-informed citizens. Robotics can automate repetitive and dangerous tasks, reducing the risk of injury or harm to workers while also providing more efficient and safer services.
5G can enable faster and more reliable connectivity, which can support the development of new services such as autonomous vehicles and remote healthcare. Biometrics can be used for secure authentication and identification, improving the security and efficiency of government services. Quantum computing can help in solving complex problems and developing new technologies, leading to more efficient and effective services. Edge computing can improve the delivery of services that require low latency and high reliability by enabling real-time data processing and analysis.
In summary, these technologies have the potential to revolutionise the way services are delivered to citizens. By embracing these innovations, we can create a more responsive, efficient, and effective industry that better meets the needs of citizens.
Ultimately, this will lead to improved service availability and citizen satisfaction, resulting in a stronger, more resilient society.