Page 6 - EngineerIt April 2021

TECHNOLOGY

Tech the great enabler accelerated digitalisation of government.
This provides a clear case for the

From supporting eGovernment strategies,
to assisting tele-health infrastructure and
By Doug Woolley, Managing Director, investing in the digital transformation of
Dell Technologies South Africa education, government’s 2021 plans are
embracing the importance of universal access
and the role of technology as an enabler of
a more equal society. This is underscored by
ust twelve months since the world a focus on connectivity in recovery planning,
woke up to the ‘new normal’, setting out to improve internet access and
Jwith many countries entering preparing for 5G connectivity.
unprecedented lockdowns, vaccination In the Dell Technologies 2020 Digital
programmes and an easing of local Transformation Index, we found that 79% of
restrictions are sparking light at the organisations in South Africa have successfully
end of the tunnel. Now, we have the accelerated at least some of their digital
possibility to build a bold new world as transformation programmes this year. This
we look to the future. But first, we have shows good progress; however, there is still work
some reflecting to do. to be done.
Looking back to March 2020, it was clear that to survive and flourish amidst
the ensuing uncertainty, innovation would be key to sustaining some of our Staying connected is key
most vital sectors, supply chains and jobs. The sheer speed and scale at Connective technologies will support the roll-
which digital transformations took place and supported entire industries as they out of digital services, keeping organisations,
adapted, was astonishing. Technology took the spotlight, keeping businesses businesses and public sector services operating
open, students in (sometimes virtual) classrooms, social lives connected and efficiently – a crucial point as citizens now
essential services flowing. have higher expectations.With data-driven
tech, governments can leverage analytics and
Technology as an enabler predictive insights, helping to prevent anything
Last year we were reminded of the force for good that technology can be – from future epidemics to public safety incidents.
providing a glimpse of what is possible now and in the future, and we have Technology is a powerful tool for
learned that a digital future will be a central pillar within our societal evolution. governments to build a world that works for
If harnessed effectively, tech will continue to lead global efforts to support people, globally. By committing to continual
recovery, playing a pivotal role in enabling governments to “build back better” for transformation – even amid uncertainty –
the long-term – that is, ensuring that the systems we put in place not only solve businesses can help to shape their ideal future.
the problems of today, but also ensure that we are prepared for the challenges The response to the COVID-19 pandemic has
of tomorrow. illustrated that businesses can be nimble and
The continued digitalisation of governments will be a crucial stepping transform quickly.
stone when it comes to driving change in the medium and long term – and
if we can take anything from 2020 it should be the pace of innovation and Building back better means digital
hunger for change. Technology will drive the recovery agenda
As global leaders design and implement recovery strategies to repair and and enable truly innovative proposals and
reinforce resilience, it is not surprising that across the board we are seeing a real programmes that are citizen-centric, reform-
emphasis on technology, connectivity and bridging digital divides. We are living focused and which promise to make a
in a world where we can see the fruits of digital transformation – with doctors’ meaningful impact across the healthcare and
appointments going online, the world embracing video calls for work, sharing time education sectors as well as eGovernment –
and celebrations with family, and many essential services and supply chains going with sustainability at heart.
digital; now we can dare to dream even bigger. Digital technologies will form the backbone
Some medical offices and hospitals have already been turbo-charged with of future-facing infrastructure planning, creating
real-time analytics, helping them respond to and prioritise patient needs, while seamless integrations across organisations and
driving better patient outcomes. Building back better means making these digital making essential services accessible for all.
technologies mainstream on a global level and ensuring everyone has access Through building the critical infrastructures
to those improved outcomes. The fact that only those locations and citizens with to support digital growth, we can design services
good digital access can benefit is pertinent and shows the scale of the challenge that embrace sustainability, which is also crucial
that lies ahead for many governments as they build protections against potential for our collective futures. This all requires out of
future crises. the box thinking, excellent use of digital tools
and the bravery to set our world on a different,
Keeping up the pace of innovation more harmonious course. Now is the time to be
The agility and resilience of businesses and the public sector has been put to the bold, dream differently and drive the recovery
test, and those organisations with a solid grip on digital technologies fared better with enhanced governmental and workplace
in the pandemic than those that didn’t. digitalisation. n

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