From service to systems transformation: The Nova Scotia story

It is not easy to create and maintain progress in the digital government space – we have witnessed the emergence and disappearance of digital organizations and platforms when the political landscape shifts.

In this inspiring talk, Deputy Minister Natasha Clarke will share her incredible journey of building a digital team within the government of Nova Scotia. Against all odds, she transformed it from being seen as just a 'delivery channel' to a standalone department driven by the mission to make public services and technology better for everyone.

But that’s just the start! The real challenge lies in breaking down historical government structures that have been obstacles to modern delivery approaches. Institutionalizing digital ways of working is the key driver of moving from service transformation to systems wide transformation. Be prepared to be moved by her passion and determination.

This talk is for anyone who wants to learn from a successful case study of digital transformation in the public sector. Whether you are a public servant, a digital leader, a policy maker, or a citizen, you will benefit from hearing how Nova Scotia overcame the challenges and opportunities of becoming a more digital and user-centric government. You will also get insights into how to sustain and scale the digital culture and practices across the whole system.