Mike Bracken

We have the opportunity to start again, to resize and reshape the operations of the state around new technologies, argues the former UK digital head. Frankly, he says, if we don’t, they’ll do it to us.

Digital government services are nowhere near the biggest customer service challenges around, says the founder of the UK’s GDS. Digital government services should be as easy as running a dating site.

The UK Cabinet Office says it’s exploring options for the future of the Government Digital Service — on which Australia’s Digital Transformation Office is based. It follows GDS boss Mike Bracken’s announcement he will depart in September.

Small data, or just data, is better than the current “big data” focus, says a government wonk from the UK. Meanwhile, economist Ross Gittens has some lessons in behavioural economics for regulators. And Australia’s marks are in on the social progress index.