Technology develops and improves at ever-more unprecedented rates these days. We understand it can be tricky – overwhelming, even – to try to keep up.
When it comes to this topic, there’s no sense in reading up on every piece of emerging tech. You’d be there forever. However, there is good reason behind understanding the developing tools and technologies related to your field.
In this blog post, we’ll be discussing the findings contained in this Defra report. We’ll then explain how they relate to you and your public sector organisation.
Let’s get started.
What technologies are being integrated now?
Currently, most critical developments focus on improved communication. The most obvious example is 5G. This should help streamline access to websites, shared folders, and communication.
5G uses smaller wavelengths (and higher frequencies) than 4G and has the potential to be up to ten times faster. Higher frequencies enable more data to be encoded, leading to faster mobile broadband, while the shorter wavelength required results in increased absorption. This, in turn, means more transmitters are required to provide the same coverage as the signal is more easily blocked by objects like buildings and trees.
We’re also seeing low-code applications and network automation become standard. Therefore, it takes much less time to develop and maintain ICT systems.
What digital technologies are becoming increasingly popular?
We can sum up this list with one broad word: AI. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning aren’t yet used in every walk of life (particularly in the public sector). But the groundwork is being paved, and we expect to see it introduced more and more.
AI might sound terrifying to some people. Don’t worry, though. Specifically designed to be used in contained ways, AIs help to streamline processes. They can make fact-based decisions impartially and much faster than humans.
The process typically used to enable AI to make decisions involves ‘training’, where information is presented to the AI tools and the decision made is then reviewed by a human to make sure the correct result was reached. Alongside this technology, we’re also seeing improvements in agri-tech and smart workplaces (among many other things).
Looking out to the digital horizon
The following list of products is still some time away. They’re still in relatively early development stages, so you shouldn’t expect to see them in mainstream use for some time. However, as we know, tech evolves quickly. We might be surprised.
✳
Predictive analytics
Cloud-based predictive analytics platforms use large data sets to identify patterns and trends, and then use AI algorithms to make predictions about what will happen next. Predictive analytics can be used for a variety of purposes, including predicting consumer behaviour, identifying potential security threats, and forecasting demand for products and services. Organisations are increasingly using predictive analytics to make better decisions about where to allocate resources and how to respond to changes in the marketplace.
✳
Immersive workspaces
These office environments use technology to create a more realistic and interactive experience for employees. This can include things like virtual reality headsets, augmented reality displays, and even haptic feedback systems. The goal of an immersive workspace is to make employees feel more engaged with their work and to increase their productivity.
However, there is still some debate about whether or not these types of workspaces actually live up to the hype. Some studies have shown that they can be beneficial, while others have found that they can actually be distracting and cause employees to be less productive.
✳
Virtual experiences
Much like immersive workspaces, virtual experiences are digitally-generated environments that can be used to simulate real-world or imaginary scenarios. They are often used for entertainment or educational purposes, but they can also be used for more practical applications such as training simulations or architectural visualisations.
The level of immersion in a virtual experience can vary depending on the sophistication of the technology involved.
✳
Immersive analytics
In recent years, a new type of analytics has emerged that allows users to immerse themselves in data to gain insights that would otherwise be hidden. This approach, known as immersive analytics, is particularly well suited for exploring large and complex data sets.
Immersive analytics makes use of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and other advanced technologies to create an interactive experience that allows users to explore data in a natural and intuitive way. This approach has already been used to great effect in several different industries, including healthcare, retail, and manufacturing.
There are many benefits to using immersive analytics, such as the ability to identify patterns that would be difficult to see using traditional methods. Additionally, this approach can help users gain a better understanding of how data works together, leading to more accurate insights.
✳
Holograms
Holograms have been a popular feature in science fiction movies and television but are becoming increasingly popular in real-world scenarios. They are three-dimensional images created using light interference. They can be recorded on film or other mediums, or projected into space so that they appear to float in mid-air.
Holograms have a number of uses in the commercial world, including creating avatars used to represent people in online spaces such as virtual reality worlds or the aforementioned immersive workspaces.
These will, again, streamline workplace processes and vastly improve communication. Virtual reality is a key theme here. Defra notes (and we agree) that while the potential is vast, VR isn’t quite there yet. Over the coming years, though, keep your eyes peeled.
How these technologies impact the public sector
Many of these technologies could be critical for local councils, NHS trusts, and other public organisations. On the surface, many might look like unnecessary, fancy gadgets. Dig a little deeper, and you’ll find unmatched potential for:
- Cutting costs
- Streamlining digital processes
- Automating repetitive manual tasks
- Improving communication
- and more
In public sector organisations, cost is one of the main barriers to progress. Wider governmental support is often lacking, leaving you to work on a tight budget. The key to seeing how to use emerging tech well is by watching larger public sector organisations with the budget to invest in being early adopters to see what works and what doesn’t and, when opportunities present, by partnering with them.
We hope you’ll get the money you deserve eventually, but in the meantime, sustainable cost-cutting is the best way to go. As these technologies become more popular, they’ll become cheaper. As a result, you could save significant sums of money, freeing up your staff to focus on the things that matter.
How can my public sector organisation get ahead of the game?
To focus in on the new digital tech most relevant for your organisation, you need a strategy. In turn, you’ll need experts to provide the necessary advice to develop this plan.
When looking for expert advice, you have two options: hire a dedicated staff member(s), or use an external contractor.
We at AMDH Services Ltd are a Microsoft-focused consultancy specialising in cloud-based solutions. Our expert staff know ICT solutions inside-out. We work with many public sector organisations, including local councils and NHS trusts. As a result, we know all about the problems you face on a regular basis.
If you’re wondering about what emerging technology will most benefit you, we’d love to help. Drop us a message for an obligation-free chat about the best way to proceed. Moving forward, we could set up a consultation and work with you to create an effective strategy.
Contact us through the form below. We look forward to hearing from you.
