The recently launched National Digital Strategy with the overarching vision to create ‘Intelligent Bhutan’ by 2034 is an ambitious strategy document. The strategy is a step towards achieving the goals of digital transformation.
The strategy aims to increase the digital economy’s contribution to GDP to USD 600 million by 2034, which is six percent of the total GDP, up from the current 3.03 percent. It also aims to generate 5,000 jobs in the digital sector by 2029 and equip 400,000 Bhutanese with digital skills.
The strategy is built on three key pillars – digital society, digital economy, and digital governance, and each of these pillars are further propped up by key thrust areas, followed by a flurry of initiatives. Overall, the strategy reads like an ambitious manifesto. While it is essential to set ambitious targets, the real challenge lies in execution. That’s where we have to be cautious of the pitfalls.
A thriving digital sector is a driver of the economy. Yet, without the necessary technological backbone, the dream of digital transformation will remain just that – a dream. Building a robust digital infrastructure is, therefore, imperative.
Currently, many Bhutanese struggle with poor quality and expensive internet services. For the digital economy to flourish, every citizen must have access to reliable and affordable internet services. This would require substantial investments to expand internet infrastructure coupled with policy decisions and regulatory instruments to ensure competitive pricing and service standards.
Another critical challenge is to ensure public buy-in for digital technologies and services. The strategy plans to equip 400,000 Bhutanese with essential digital skills and literacy by 2034. This is not only important but also necessary. Only with a digitally literate population can we fully leverage the potential of digital technologies.
Improving public service delivery through digital governance is another cornerstone of the National Digital Strategy. The strategy outlines several key initiatives to make government-to-citizen (G2C) services more efficient and accessible through digital technologies.
However, let’s not forget that G2C services were launched during the first democratic government’s term. Yet, even now, a decade and half later, we have not been able to fully automate public service delivery.
So, what is the underlying problem?
A major issue is that public service agencies often work in silos. This lack of coordination hinders the seamless delivery of services. The plan to provide end-to-end integrated service under one roof is something that will ease public service delivery. Further, it is also important to have mechanisms in place to hold public agencies accountable for service delivery.
Digital transformation will also require a major shift in mindset among public servants. As key stakeholders, they must be skilled and trained on digital tools and new technologies to improve service delivery. And, of course, we cannot ignore the pivotal role of the private sector in Bhutan’s digital transformation. Public-private partnership will be key in driving innovation in the digital sector.
The National Digital Strategy is a visionary roadmap. However, the path to this digital future is fraught with challenges. And its success will hinge on how well we execute the ambitious strategy.