Digital transformation is at the heart of vision statements and making them reality

Digital technologies are about transforming lives for citizens and residents. It begins with the government’s visions of making their nation or city a digital one, which is smart and resilient. Digital transformation and technology are at the heart of many regional governments’ initiatives such as the UAE’s Vision 2021, UAE’s National Innovation Strategy, and the Saudi Vision 2030 to name some. 

Vision statements and government-led initiatives are setting the stage for digital innovation, to play a long-term role in the economic growth of the Middle East.

The UAE is an example, where a digital agenda forms the core of the country’s national vision. The country has taken a leadership role in the region when it comes to digital transformation and technology adoption with an aim to drive GDP growth, foster innovation, strengthen global competitiveness and create new jobs. 

From government services to transport to telecommunications to utilities, many key government entities are adopting the latest technologies to ensure a well-connected system for the public, which will enhance citizen experience and increase productivity – factors that will lead to a globally competitive economy. These technologies will also ensure sustainability and a cleaner environment. 

DEWA and RTA are examples of how adoption of digital technologies helps residents with ease of using services, saving costs, reducing expenditure and carbon footprint, and increasing happiness.  

Citizens and residents expect government and public services to be personalised and this is being done by governments across the world. They are adopting technologies such as cloud, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Big Data and Analytics, Robotic Process Automation, blockchain, IoT, cybersecurity to name a few technologies to enhance citizen’s experience by improving service quality and ensuring speedy delivery of services. 

Governments are adopting these digital technologies for e-Services, Smart cities and Smart government, next-generation healthcare, classrooms of the future, smart tourism, autonomous transport and for environmental innovation in the Energy sector. Even the private and public sector are adopting different technologies in line with the government initiatives. 

Using the latest digital technologies, nations can move ahead and grow their economies, increase the number of high skilled jobs, and improve quality of life for their citizens. 

The UAE introduced plans to develop and exploit 3-D printing, with the potential to revolutionise the construction industry. The UAE government’s autonomous transportation strategy is targeting 25% of all trips inside Dubai to be driverless by 2030. The list of path-breaking, global first’s in UAE also includes: the world’s first Minister for Artificial Intelligence; pilot trials of pneumatic trains and flying taxis; and robotic policeman capable of issuing fines, providing video feeds, and identifying people through facial recognition, amongst others.

Adopting digital technologies require both IT and business to work together to map out the digital transformation journey. Some of the challenges are lack of digitalisation strategy, budget constraints, complex organisation structure, lack of expertise and skills, policy bottlenecks and bureaucratic inertia, privacy and security, lack of innovation and transitioning staff to new technologies. 

Key takeaways

• The UAE is an example, where a digital agenda forms the core of the country’s national vision.

• Vision statements and government-led initiatives are setting the stage for digital innovation.

• DEWA and RTA are examples of how adoption of digital technologies helps residents with ease of using services.

By Ranjith Kaippada, General Manager, Cloud Box Technologies.