In their submission to the House of Commons Science Innovation and Technology Committee inquiry into the Digital Centre of Government, Dr Asieh Tabaghdehi and Professor Ashley Braganza (Brunel University of London) outline a vision for a Digital Centre of Government (DCG) focused on ethical, inclusive, and data-driven public service transformation. They stress the importance of co-creating digital services with citizens and stakeholders, prioritising ethical AI, and addressing digital exclusion.
The response also highlights the value of upskilling public sector workers and supporting SMEs through access to data and digital tools.
The authors warn against the risks of centralised IT failures, citing past UK examples, and urge a modular, adaptive approach. They also recommend learning from international models like the EU AI Act and Canada’s AIA. On the proposed National Data Library, they advocate for public ownership and long-term citizen benefit through sovereign fund management.
The submission offers practical insights, cautionary case studies, and a roadmap for sustainable digital transformation.
To explore their full recommendations and evidence, see their full written evidence submission here.
Links:
- Read the full written evidece here.
- Enquiry from government can be found here.
Reported by:
Joseph Kahsay
eliza.kania@brunel.ac.uk