The UK government’s newly released Performance Review of Digital Spend highlights a fundamental challenge in public sector digital transformation: the way we fund and evaluate technology initiatives is holding back innovation and efficiency. At itelligent-i, we see this as an opportunity. If government is to unlock the full potential of digital transformation—whether at the central, regional, or local level—then data and analytics must be at the heart of decision-making.
The review identifies critical barriers to effective digital investment:
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- Complex, fragmented funding processes slow down decision-making and prevent the rapid adoption of new technologies.
- Underfunded maintenance of digital infrastructure creates costly legacy systems and technical debt.
- Limited data-driven decision-making at the investment stage results in projects that fail to deliver long-term value.
These issues are not new. Across central and local government, we have seen how poor data visibility and lack of clear outcomes measurement lead to inefficiencies in funding and delivery. The review rightly calls for change, but to implement these recommendations effectively, departments, agencies, and councils need better tools for evidence-based decision-making.
The review proposes a new approach to digital spend, based on three key pillars:
- Alternative funding mechanisms that enable iterative investment, rather than large, speculative bets.
- Improved training and digital leadership to ensure decision-makers are equipped to manage technology investments.
- Better evaluation and performance measurement to track value-for-money and outcomes over time.
Each of these pillars can be significantly enhanced through advanced data analytics. By embedding predictive modelling, AI-driven risk assessment, and real-time performance tracking into digital investment strategies, government can improve how it allocates funding, measures impact, and optimises resources.
At itelligent-i, we help government at all levels apply data and analytics to improve financial sustainability, service delivery, and digital investment decisions. Here’s how our expertise aligns with the recommendations of this review:
- Data-driven portfolio management: Our analytics platforms provide real-time insights into digital spending across government portfolios, helping leaders assess performance and reallocate funding where it delivers the most value.
- Outcome-based funding models: We use predictive analytics to model the long-term impact of digital investments, ensuring funding decisions are based on evidence, not assumptions.
- Reducing technical debt and cyber risk: Our AI-driven risk assessment tools help government departments identify legacy system risks early and prioritise investment in modern, secure digital infrastructure.
- Optimising service delivery with live data: By integrating multiple data sources, we enable central and local government to track digital service performance in real time and make agile funding adjustments.
The government’s review rightly acknowledges that digital transformation is not just about technology—it’s about how government funds and evaluates technology. The public sector needs a data-first approach to digital investment, where decisions are based on performance, risk, and long-term impact.
At itelligent-i, we help public sector leaders turn these principles into practice. Our data and analytics services provide the clarity, oversight, and evidence needed to make smarter digital spending decisions. Whether you are in central government designing a national digital strategy, a regional authority managing cross-council IT services, or a local authority struggling with outdated systems, our approach ensures that every pound spent on digital delivers measurable outcomes.
If your organisation is looking to improve digital investment strategies, manage funding more effectively, or integrate AI and analytics into decision-making, itelligent-i can help.
Read the full government review here: Performance Review of Digital Spend