2025 UK public sector in jeopardy without tech investments

According to analysis from Scott Logic, a specialist software consultancy, technology improvements and investments are needed if public sector organisations in the UK are to achieve their goals for the upcoming year. The research found the public sector should boost technology investment to reduce the growing backlog of issues and increase overall productivity.

Scott Logic pinpointed four key areas that public sector organisations must commit to improving – AI and automation, cybersecurity and data, digital-by-design service delivery, and addressing legal constraints.

Stephen Foreshew-Cain, CEO at Scott Logic, commented on the findings, saying “We know where work needs to be targeted; the likes of AI and automation tools, for example, can be applied as chatbots across several departments to deal with citizen enquiries.”

Organisations must invest in AI and automation tools to reduce costs, according to Scott Logic. For instance, tools might be deployed to make routine office or back-end processes more efficient and streamlined, which could reduce the need for manual work.

AI systems can also be used to improve decision-making, providing better data analysis and insights to help leaders and teams. Additionally, AI can tailor services to individual needs, personalising public services and enhancing user experiences.

Foreshew-Cain also highlights the importance of investment for cybersecurity and data. “Cybersecurity and data robustness must also be at the top of the agenda, particularly with the ever-increasing reliance on digital systems. The public sector will only face more threats from hostile actors around the globe, and it’s imperative that we’re fully protected.”

The implementation of stronger cybersecurity strategies are essential for protecting sensitive data and maintaining the integrity of critical systems in 2025, the company says.

Digital-by-design service delivery is another key area that might be addressed, according to Foreshew-Cain. “Equally, a renewed focus on digital-by-design service delivery will enable quicker rollouts of new services, such as digital healthcare platforms or real-time financial support tracking.”

There is already a growing demand for more digital-first public services, ones that prioritise an emphasis on interoperability, automation, and user-centric designs. The report found that such services should focus on areas including testing, policymaking, and service automation, but also include the needs of anyone without access to digital platforms.

Addressing legacy constraints is the fourth key area public sector organisations must focus on, as cited by Foreshew-Cain. “Finally, and at a broader level, we hope that 2025 is the year when the public sector looks ahead, rather than behind, and tries to address its existing legacy constraints.”

Foreshew-Cain says public sectors should move past outdated systems that hinder progress, some of which are “are up to four decades old.” He said, “decision-makers must look towards multi-cloud and hybrid cloud environments to support broader transformation efforts.”

While updating legacy systems seems daunting, “incremental migration roadmaps” can help make the transition to cloud technologies both manageable and cost-effective. Foreshew-Cain says it’s time for the public sector to “embrace the potential of technology and look ahead.”

“With the economic climate causing a level of caution in spending, 2025 must be the year when the public sector seizes the potential of technology to do more with less money. By making strategic investments in common platforms and the right tooling, the public sector can break down silos, boost productivity, and provide fairer, better and more robust services to UK citizens.”

With a proactive approach,such as transitioning from analogue processes to digital systems, 2025 can be the year the public sector turns economic challenges into opportunities for long-term transformation.

Image source: “Glebe Town Hall c.1880” by Balmain & Glebe Heritage is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

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