Digital Autonomy: The Strategic Choices That Will Define Public Sector Resilience

Government agencies across Australia and New Zealand have accelerated their adoption of cloud platforms, AI services and digital ecosystems to improve service delivery and operational efficiency. While these technologies have enabled faster innovation, they have also increased dependence on a relatively small number of technology providers. As geopolitical uncertainty, evolving regulation and rapid advances in AI reshape the technology landscape, leaders are being challenged to ensure today's technology decisions do not limit tomorrow's options. The strategic question is no longer simply which platform to adopt, but how to maintain sufficient control over critical data, operations and technology choices while continuing to innovate.

Key discussion points

• Define the right level of digital autonomy: Understand how to assess the appropriate balance of control across data, operations and technology based on your agency's mission, risk profile and critical services.
• Balance resilience with innovation: Examine how government leaders can manage the trade-offs between autonomy, cost, agility and access to emerging technologies without compromising strategic objectives.
• Reduce dependency on critical technology providers: Identify practical approaches to minimise vendor lock-in, improve portability and preserve future technology choices while maintaining operational continuity.
• Build an actionable roadmap for strategic control: Gain practical guidance on initiating organisation-wide conversations that embed digital autonomy into governance, investment and technology decision-making.

Who Should Attend

This session is designed for senior executives responsible for digital strategy, technology, cyber security, enterprise architecture, governance, risk and critical service delivery across Australian government agencies, public sector organisations and critical infrastructure providers.