Is Ireland’s Updated Digital Strategy Shaping a New Model for Public Sector Planning?

In 2024, Ireland introduced a renewed national strategy to strengthen the use of digital tools across government. The plan begins with training 500 senior civil servants to better understand and apply digital solutions in public services. It also encourages departments to test new technologies in controlled environments, allowing for experimentation without immediate public rollout. This approach helps government bodies plan more effectively while maintaining high standards of safety and transparency.

To support this shift, the strategy expands access to training through initiatives like Skillnet  

(National agency established in 1999 to support businesses in developing their workforce through tailored training programs) and Springboard+(initiative funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union), while also aligning national efforts with European regulations on data use and emerging technologies. A newly established research body, the National AI Research Nexus, has been tasked with leading studies that explore the broader impact of digital systems across sectors. The strategy also promotes public dialogue about the role of technology in key areas such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. By focusing on long-term planning and inclusive engagement, Ireland is laying the groundwork for a more responsive and future-ready public sector.