In a recent address at the ACT-IAC’s Imagine Nation ELC conference in Hershey, Pennsylvania, General Services Administration (GSA) Chief Information Officer David Shive highlighted the United States' leadership in digital transformation at scale. Shive's insights stem from discussions with digital services leaders from various countries, including Estonia, Indonesia, Canada, and Australia, revealing that the U.S. stands out in its approach to large-scale digital initiatives.
Key Takeaways
The U.S. is recognized as a leader in digital transformation at scale.
Countries like Estonia and Singapore are also making strides but lack the scale of U.S. efforts.
GSA’s Login.gov is a prime example of effective digital transformation.
Incremental improvements and a focus on efficiency are key to U.S. success.
The Technology Modernization Fund exemplifies the U.S. approach to iterative investment in technology.
U.S. Digital Transformation Leadership
During his panel discussion, Shive emphasized that while several countries are excelling in digital services, the U.S. is unique in its ability to implement these services at scale. He noted that many nations excel in specific areas but struggle to replicate that success across broader initiatives.
Shive stated, "There are a few countries out there that are getting it right, you know — Estonia, Singapore, places like that. But as the facilitators surveyed all of these heads of these transformation entities all around the world, there was one theme that came out: that there was one country that was getting it right at scale. And that country is the United States."
The Role of Incremental Improvements
A significant factor contributing to the U.S.'s success in digital transformation is its commitment to incremental improvements. Shive explained that the federal government focuses on turning good practices into better ones, emphasizing a culture of continuous enhancement. This approach allows for manageable changes that can be adjusted as needed, reducing the risks associated with large-scale transformations.
"We’re pretty focused on turning good to better, and better to best because we’re all public servants, and that’s why we’re here," Shive remarked. This mindset, influenced by Silicon Valley's innovation culture, enables quick course corrections when necessary, ensuring that the U.S. remains on the right path.
Technology Modernization Fund
Shive pointed to the Technology Modernization Fund as a prime example of the U.S. government's iterative approach to digital transformation. This fund is designed not just to address existing technology issues but to create roadmaps for future improvements. By basing funding requests on proven outcomes rather than theoretical solutions, the government can make informed decisions about where to invest resources.
Collaboration Between Public and Private Sectors
Shive also stressed the importance of collaboration between the government and industry partners in driving digital transformation. He noted that successful initiatives require a close partnership to ensure that both sectors are aligned in their goals and strategies.
"The work doesn’t get done right at scale unless we, the government, and our industry partners are closely coupled and doing a really good job," he stated. This collaborative approach not only enhances the effectiveness of digital initiatives but also sets a global standard for others to follow.
Conclusion
As the U.S. continues to lead in digital transformation, Shive's insights serve as a reminder of the importance of incremental improvements, strategic investments, and collaboration. The world is watching, and the U.S. is setting a roadmap for successful digital initiatives that other nations aspire to emulate.
Sources
The US is leading its counterparts in digital transformation at scale, GSA's Shive says | FedScoop, FedScoop.