NSW Government Digital Strategy - Mission 2: Digital-Driven Growth and Innovation

Mission 2: Using Digital to Enhance Service Delivery, Support the Local Economy, and Drive Productivity

The NSW Government is leveraging digital technology to transform service delivery, support economic growth, and drive productivity. By embracing emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and adopting innovative digital practices, NSW aims to improve public services and create new opportunities for its local economy. This mission seeks to balance innovation with risk management, ensuring that technological advancements are both safe and effective.

Our Mission: Digital-Driven Growth and Innovation

Digital transformation can significantly enhance the delivery of government services while also spurring innovation and economic growth across NSW. The government is committed to using digital tools to streamline processes, improve service delivery, and support the evolving needs of communities and businesses. Emphasising responsible AI use, human-centred design, and partnerships with industry and academia, NSW is building a future where digital technology fuels productivity.

Key Objectives

To achieve this mission, the NSW Government has outlined four primary objectives:

1. Safe, Ethical, and Responsible Use of AI
   AI is reshaping government operations, improving efficiency, and creating new growth opportunities. To ensure that AI applications remain safe and transparent, the NSW Government has developed frameworks like the NSW AI Assessment Framework and the Digital Assurance Framework. These tools support agencies in self-assessing their AI projects, while high-risk projects receive guidance from the AI Review Committee. The focus remains on fostering trust in AI by ensuring its responsible use in various sectors, including emergency response and education.

2. Investing in Digitalisation
   Modernising government services requires ongoing investment in digital solutions. By adopting agile investment models and iterative development cycles, the NSW Government can adapt quickly to the changing needs of its community. This approach allows for testing, scaling, and refining digital products, leading to more responsive and user-focused services. Additionally, critical systems are treated as Digital Infrastructure, ensuring long-term sustainability and reducing inefficiencies across government operations.

3. Collaborating with Industry and Academia
   To remain at the forefront of digital innovation, the NSW Government actively partners with industry, academia, and the community. These collaborations help explore new technologies, solve complex challenges, and refine digital strategies. By engaging stakeholders through workshops, surveys, and guidelines, NSW ensures that the latest innovations are effectively integrated into public services, benefiting the local economy and the community.

4. Preparing a Future-Ready Workforce
   As digital technologies reshape the job market, it’s vital to equip the workforce with the necessary skills. The NSW Government is focused on addressing the projected shortfall of 85,000 digital workers by 2030. By working with industry and academic partners, NSW aims to create training opportunities and programmes that prepare the community for a rapidly evolving digital landscape, ensuring that everyone can participate in the digital economy and that the state remains competitive.

Progress and Commitments

• NSWEduChat: A case study on how AI tools are being used to streamline educational support.
• State Digital Asset Reuse Policy: Promoting efficiency and reuse of digital resources across government agencies.
• Asset AI: Collaborations to explore AI applications for asset management and service improvement.
• Digital Skills & Workforce Compact: A programme to boost digital skills in the NSW workforce and prepare for future demand.

Moving Forward

The NSW Government’s digital strategy aims to enhance service delivery, foster innovation, and drive economic growth by embracing cutting-edge technologies. Through responsible AI use, strategic investments, and partnerships, the government is creating a future where digital solutions make life better for all residents of NSW.

With a focus on continuous learning, collaboration, and adaptability, NSW is building a digital ecosystem that benefits the community, supports local businesses, and prepares for the opportunities and challenges of the digital age. By prioritising safety, transparency, and inclusivity, the NSW Government ensures that its digital transformation journey is both forward-looking and grounded in public trust.

https://www.digital.nsw.gov.au/strategy/mission-2