Data, AI, and app innovation: Digital transformation in the public sector

April 25, 2025

image: LV4260 | iStock

ElysianIT Limited emphasises the need for digital transformation in the public sector, highlighting the significance of robust data management and AI integration to improve operations and decision-making

Engage with a village of specialist expertise

Whether you see rapidly evolving digital innovation as an ongoing uphill struggle or a world of unique opportunities, there is one view that unites all in the public sector: We must work to embrace this change, not resist it.

As the public sector strives to enhance data decision-making, real-time business reporting, and innovating business processes, leveraging cutting-edge technologies becomes paramount.

Arvid Straates, UKSBS Head of Data, (www.uksbs.co.uk), says “We brought in ElysianIT for their expertise and knowledge of implementing business intelligence solutions”.

Luke Smith, ElysianIT (www.elysianit.com) Technical Director, says: “The challenge for the public sector comes down to accessing skills. Holding specialist expertise in-house is costly. Yet, data, AI, and app innovation are crucial for digital transformations. Thus, leveraging external experts, tools, and strategies is essential for accelerated success.”

Data for insights and action: Unlocking the power of information

Data is the lifeblood of modern organisations, and the public sector is no exception. The public sector should harness the full power of its data assets by implementing robust data platforms that integrate seamlessly. This isn’t without its challenges, but by engaging the right partner, selecting the right platform and up-skilling your team, you can enable seamless data integration, secure data collaboration, and advanced analytics.

Melanie Andrews of ElysianIT states: “Our customers’ main reason for partnering with us is our ability to provide actionable insights. This helps the public sector make informed decisions, improve policymaking, allocate resources better, and enhance public services. Our expert data solutions also ensure data security and regulatory compliance, protecting sensitive information.”

Incorporating AI: Transforming public sector operations

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising the way organisations operate. One of the standout benefits of incorporating AI services is the ability to automate routine tasks.

Melanie continues: “This has saved ElysianIT’s public sector clients time and resources, allowing employees to focus on strategic tasks. AI chatbots handle citizen enquiries efficiently. We use predictive analytics to identify trends and support proactive decision-making. Our AI solutions are scalable and adaptable, integrating seamlessly into existing systems as government needs evolve, ensuring ongoing improvement and innovation.”

“It’s not all ‘out with the old and in with the new.’”

App innovation: Enhancing user experience

Prioritising user experience is essential in the digital age, particularly within the public sector, where accessibility and efficiency are key. Leveraging tools like Microsoft Power Platform, designed to create solutions to key business problems, organisations can develop intuitive and user-friendly applications tailored to meet their unique needs.

Melanie continues: “Scalability and flexibility are essential. Public sector needs will change, so applications must scale and allow for growth. Strategic business apps keep digital solutions effective over time. Well-designed apps improve citizen engagement by simplifying access to services and information, enhancing communication and trust with the public.”

How do public sector businesses move forward with innovation?

With rapid change, public sector organisations should take a structured approach, ensuring the implemented solutions are future-proofed and can deliver the organisation’s goals – whilst adapting to emerging innovations.

ElysianIT’s seven rules for success for public sector organisations

Make great decisions, fast:
- Decisions that are driven by real data and insights, not just instinct. Ensure your organisation has access to accurate, timely information.
Keep it simple:
- Decision makers use the insight, and the team runs the platform. Needed simplicity. Complexity slows adoption and reduces effectiveness.
Future-proof your approach:
- AI is evolving rapidly. Adopt it at a pace that suits your organisation, but ensure your data is on a modern platform to take advantage of future innovations.
Focus on cost-effectiveness:
- Technology investments should provide tangible value without excessive costs. Look for scalable, efficient solutions that align with your budget and will have the right level of payback.
Prioritise training and development:
- Ensure teams are equipped with the knowledge and skills to use new platforms effectively through structured training programmes.
Maintain clear communication:
- Keeping all stakeholders informed throughout the process helps manage expectations and ensures alignment with project goals.
Stay flexible and adaptive:
- The technology landscape is constantly evolving. Embracing flexibility allows you to seize new opportunities and remain ahead of the curve.

Case study: UKSBS – a data and reporting platform success story

UKSBS partnered with ElysianIT to transform its organisation by implementing Azure and Power Platform for its Reporting and Data Platform service. This solution allowed them to host all their data and analytics services, serve as their data lake, and integrate with their applications for real-time data ingestion. The impact included full transparency of costs, enhanced team collaboration with a single source of truth, real-time reporting and AI analytics for actionable insights, and robust security and governance controls. This transformation enabled UKSBS to leverage its data more effectively, leading to improved decision-making and operational efficiency.