Public Service Transformation Week: Innovating Government Efficiency and Collaboration on Tuesday, November 11, 2025

Public Sector Innovation: Workshops Tackle Problem Solving, AI, and Digital Skills

Dublin, Ireland – A wave of professional development initiatives is sweeping through Ireland’s public sector, designed to equip workers with the skills needed to navigate an increasingly complex and technologically driven landscape. These programs, announced this week, focus on bolstering abilities in creative problem-solving, understanding the implications of Artificial Intelligence, and mastering essential digital productivity tools.

creative Problem-Solving Workshop Offered

Trinity Business School, in collaboration with Trinity Innovation and Enterprise, is hosting a Creative Problem Solving (CPS) workshop on November 9th, from 9:30am to 3:00pm. The session, open to all interested individuals, will introduce participants to proven methods for approaching challenges with imagination and fostering collaboration. According to program materials, the workshop aims to make problem-solving an enjoyable and impactful experience, accelerating the adoption of innovative ideas.

AI and accessibility in Public Services

The National Disability Authority is presenting a workshop titled “AI as an Accessibility Partner” on November 9th, from 10:00am to 1:00pm, at its headquarters on Clyde Road in Ballsbridge, Dublin. This in-person event will delve into how Artificial Intelligence can be leveraged to enhance accessibility in public services, while also identifying and mitigating potential risks. Shivaali Scully, Donal Fitzpatrick, and Aislinn Conway, along with other members of the Centre for Excellence in Worldwide Design, will lead the discussion. The workshop is targeted towards policymakers, individuals with disabilities, and professionals in related fields.

Boosting Digital Productivity Within an Garda Síochána

An Garda Síochána is providing its personnel with specialized training on “Digital Productivity Essentials” from 10:00am to 12:00pm on November 9th. This internal-only program focuses on maximizing efficiency through the effective use of Microsoft Outlook’s Speedy Steps and Microsoft OneNote for streamlined facts management. This initiative represents a broader trend of investing in digital literacy across governmental organizations.

Exploring the Future of AI in Government

The Department of Taoiseach will host a presentation and moderated discussion on “AI and the Future of Public Services” at 11:00am on November 9th. Mick Costigan, head of the Futures Team at Salesforce, San Francisco, will deliver a keynote address on “The Future of Agentic AI,” followed by a panel discussion exploring the opportunities and challenges for Ireland’s public services. Attendance is by invitation only.

Slaintecare Initiatives Highlight Innovation in Healthcare

The Health service Executive (HSE) is showcasing advancements through its Slaintecare program. A video highlighting the Cardiothoracic team at University hospital Galway’s minimally invasive surgical techniques will be available for viewing on November 11th. Additionally, details about the SMILE Programme, a remote monitoring initiative for patients with chronic diseases, will also be released on the same date. These advancements showcase the commitment to integrating innovative approaches into healthcare delivery.

Did You Know? Ireland’s public sector employs over 330,000 people, making skills development initiatives like these crucial for national progress. (Source: Central Statistics Office, Ireland, 2023).

Pro Tip: explore free online courses offered by platforms like Coursera and edX to supplement your skills in areas like AI and digital productivity.

Workshop/Initiative	Organization	Date/time	Key Focus
Creative Problem-Solving Experience	Trinity Business School	November 9th, 9:30am-3:00pm	Innovative Problem Solving
AI as an Accessibility Partner	National Disability Authority	November 9th, 10:00am-1:00pm	AI and Accessibility
Digital Productivity Essentials	An Garda Síochána	November 9th, 10:00am-12:00pm	Digital Skills – Outlook & OneNote
AI and the Future of Public Services	Department of Taoiseach	November 9th, 11:00am-12:30pm	Future of AI in Public Sector
Slaintecare Innovations	HSE	November 11th	Healthcare Advancements

These initiatives collectively signal a strong emphasis on modernization and efficiency within Ireland’s public sector. They aim to equip public servants with the tools and knowledge necessary to tackle complex challenges and deliver improved services to citizens.

What skills do you believe are most critical for public sector workers in the age of AI? How can these workshops contribute to a more innovative and accessible public service?

The trend of upskilling public sector employees is a global one, driven by the rapid pace of technological change. Governments worldwide are recognizing the need to invest in training programs to ensure their workforces can effectively utilize new technologies and deliver citizen-centric services. Continuous learning and adaptation are becoming essential attributes for professionals in all sectors, but especially within the public sector, where the impact of innovation can be far-reaching. According to a 2024 report by the World Economic Forum, critical thinking and analytical skills are consistently ranked among the most in-demand skills for the future of work.

Frequently Asked Questions about Public Sector Skills Development

• What is Creative Problem Solving? Creative Problem Solving (CPS) is a methodology used to approach challenges in a more imaginative and collaborative way, leading to innovative solutions.
• How can AI improve accessibility in public services? AI can be used to create more accessible websites, provide automated translation services, and offer personalized support to individuals with disabilities.
• Is the Digital Productivity Essentials training open to the public? No, this training is an internal program specifically for an Garda Síochána personnel.
• What is Slaintecare? Slaintecare is a ten-year plan to transform Ireland’s healthcare system, focusing on integrated care and preventative measures.
• Where can I find more information about the AI and the Future of Public Services event? As this event is by invitation only, details can be obtained directly from the Department of Taoiseach.
• Why are these skills meaningful for the public sector? Equipping public sector workers with these skills enhances efficiency, improves service delivery, and fosters innovation.
• What resources are available for continuous learning in these areas? Numerous online platforms, such as Coursera, edX, and LinkedIn Learning, offer courses in problem-solving, AI, and digital productivity.

Share your thoughts and comments below. What other skills do you think are vital for a modern public sector workforce?

How can AI-powered chatbots be ethically implemented too ensure equitable access to public services for all citizens?

The Core of Public Sector Innovation

Public Service Transformation Week, culminating on November 11th, 2025, represents a pivotal moment for governments worldwide to showcase and accelerate advancements in digital government, citizen services, and public sector innovation. This isn’t simply about adopting new technology; it’s a basic shift in how public services are designed, delivered, and experienced by citizens.the focus is on creating a more responsive,efficient,and equitable government transformation process.

Key Themes for November 11th, 2025

Several core themes are expected to dominate discussions during Public Service Transformation Week and specifically on the key date of november 11th:

* Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Public Service: exploring the ethical and practical applications of AI to automate tasks, improve decision-making, and personalize citizen interactions. This includes areas like AI-powered chatbots for customer support and predictive analytics for resource allocation.

* Data-Driven Governance: Leveraging data analytics to gain insights into citizen needs, measure service performance, and identify areas for improvement. Open data initiatives and data governance frameworks will be central to this theme.

* Citizen-Centric Design: Prioritizing the user experience in the design of public services. This involves employing user research,design thinking,and agile methodologies to create services that are intuitive,accessible,and meet the needs of diverse populations.

* Cybersecurity and Data Privacy: Strengthening cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive citizen data and maintain public trust. This includes implementing robust data encryption, identity management systems, and cyber threat intelligence capabilities.

* Interagency Collaboration: Breaking down silos between government agencies to improve coordination and deliver seamless services. Shared services platforms and integrated data systems are key enablers of this collaboration.

Practical Applications & Emerging technologies

The transformation isn’t theoretical. Here are some concrete examples of how these themes are manifesting:

* Blockchain for Secure Transactions: Several governments are piloting blockchain technology to enhance the security and clarity of land registries, supply chain management, and identity verification.

* Cloud Computing for scalability: Migrating government IT infrastructure to the cloud offers greater scalability, adaptability, and cost savings. This allows agencies to quickly adapt to changing demands and deliver services more efficiently.

* Low-Code/No-Code platforms: Empowering government employees to build and deploy applications without extensive coding knowledge. This accelerates the development of new services and reduces reliance on specialized IT staff.

* Digital Identity Solutions: Implementing secure and convenient digital identity solutions to streamline access to government services and reduce fraud. this is closely tied to digital inclusion efforts.

Benefits of Public Service Transformation

The benefits of a successful public service delivery transformation are far-reaching:

* Increased Efficiency: Automation and streamlined processes reduce administrative burdens and free up resources for more strategic initiatives.

* Improved Citizen Satisfaction: User-friendly services and personalized interactions enhance the citizen experience and build trust in government.

* Reduced Costs: Digitalization and shared services lower operational costs and improve resource allocation.

* Enhanced Transparency: Open data initiatives and data-driven governance promote accountability and transparency.

* Greater Innovation: A culture of experimentation and collaboration fosters innovation and drives continuous improvement.

Case Study: Estonia’s Digital Society

Estonia stands out as a global leader in digital government. Their “Once Only” principle – where citizens provide information to the government only once, and it’s then securely shared across agencies – is a prime example of efficient and citizen-centric service delivery. their X-Road data exchange layer facilitates secure data transfer between different databases and information systems. This model has substantially reduced bureaucracy and improved the efficiency of public services.

challenges to Implementation

Despite the potential benefits, several challenges can hinder government digital transformation:

* Legacy Systems: Outdated IT infrastructure can be tough and costly to modernize.

* Skills Gap: A shortage of skilled professionals in areas like data science, cybersecurity, and AI can slow down implementation.

* Organizational Culture: Resistance to change and a lack of collaboration can impede progress.

* Funding constraints: Limited budgets can restrict investment in new technologies and initiatives.

* Equity and Access: Ensuring that all citizens have access to digital services,nonetheless of their location,income,or digital literacy,is crucial.Addressing the digital divide is paramount.

Preparing for November 11th & Beyond: Actionable Steps

for public sector leaders and professionals, here are some steps to take leading up to and following Public Service Transformation week:

1. Assess Current State: Conduct a thorough assessment of existing processes, technologies, and citizen needs.
2. Develop a Roadmap: Create a clear roadmap for transformation, outlining specific goals, timelines, and metrics.
3. Invest in Skills Development: Provide training and development opportunities for employees to acquire the skills needed for the digital age.