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Majority of civil servants believe 'tech is critical' to government departments, according to survey

A new survey by tech advisory organisation techUK has revealed the changing perception of tech amongst the civil servants.

The figures, which account for the views of nearly 1,500 civil servants across government, show a positive shift in attitudes towards tech; however, they also reveal an increasing awareness of the tech skills gap present across governmental departments.

Of those surveyed, 84% either agreed or strongly agreed that tech is critical to delivering their department’s business plan, while 31% believe tech is an enabler rather than just an overhead (1%).

The increasing move to mobile as being the ‘first screen’ of the working environment was also under the spotlight, with 61% of respondents agreeing that mobile working would make them more efficient, a jump from the 40% who agreed in last year’s survey.

However, the survey also hinted at the obstacles in turning tech potential into tech reality, in particular the continued skills gap and lack of confidence in their tech prowess amongst respondents.

Only 14% rated their department’s digital capability as good, while only a fifth of those surveyed either agreed or strongly agreed that their department has the appropriate digital skills and capabilities.

These numbers remain consistent with the survey’s findings in 2015, according to techUK, and highlight the lack of progress in growing digital skills and expertise in government departments.

Julian David, Chief Executive Officer of techUK commented: “The last twelve months have seen a positive shift in how Civil Servants see tech and their understanding of the skills needed to. This gives us hope for the future.

“However, the findings clearly demonstrate a lack of understanding of the benefits of a broad supply base and the potential for innovative technologies to revolutionise public services, putting the Government’s target to procure 33% of tech from SMEs in jeopardy.

“We must take a new approach to show – not tell – Civil Servants how new tech can transform both their working environment and the services they provide.”

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