Achieving public sector agility through information and communication technologies

Information and communication technologies (ICT) have the potential to help government foster resource flexibility and strategic realignment throughout the public sector. They can help the government adjust to changing demands and pressures, and even inspire new approaches to government functions or services -- through the use of cloud computing, mobile-based services and social media, for example. ICTs can also make it easier to adjust back-office operations to create more agile, citizen-centred structures. Online services can improve accessibility and convenience for users. Technology can help increase collaboration both within government and with external partners to improve results. Finally, ICTs in used in conjunction with open government data can help government become more open, agile and connected – which should lead, ultimately, to better overall public sector outcomes. This chapter describes current practices in countries as well as the challenges that need to be overcome to realise the huge potential offered by new technologies.