Brian Lee-Archer

Social security administrations are applying emerging technologies, such as data analytics, big data, artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, biometrics, mobile platforms, and robotic process automation (RPA). Deployed across the full range of social security administrative processes, they facilitate compliance with social security legislation and policy and enable the exercise of the rights to social security by improving registration, contributions, and claims processes. They prevent and… Show more

Social security administrations are applying emerging technologies, such as data analytics, big data, artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, biometrics, mobile platforms, and robotic process automation (RPA). Deployed across the full range of social security administrative processes, they facilitate compliance with social security legislation and policy and enable the exercise of the rights to social security by improving registration, contributions, and claims processes. They prevent and detect incorrect payments and fraud. They record through digital data, a living history of people’s experiences of social risks.
This paper starts by examining the journey of social security administration from digitisation, defined as
making a business process digital without material change to intent or purpose, to digitalisation, defined
as making material changes to business processes based on insight and knowledge gained through the
analysis of digital data. While digitization of social security administration has delivered significant benefits by enabling to place people’s needs at the centre of the service response, digitalization has the potential to deliver better social outcomes for all, by pooling information, resources, and initiatives to address complex social problems. Investing in digital data however brings additional risk as human oversight and involvement in decision-making is partially replaced by machines driven by algorithms.
Human-centered social security administrations keep the human dimension in control of decision-making. This is made possible through the insight to be gained from digital data-driven innovation in policy and governance and managerial reforms. This working paper presents a series of vignette style case studies (13) as examples of digitisation and/or digitalisation in the context of human centricity in social security administration. Show less

The digital economy is giving rise to a challenging paradox. Societies are leveraging digital data to help address the most wicked problems facing the planet such as climate change, poverty reduction and public health outcomes. In parallel to this public value creation there is a growing trust gap between citizens and their governments, with the use of digital data a significant contributing factor.
In an environment of falling trust in public institutions (OECD, 2018), support for public… Show more

The digital economy is giving rise to a challenging paradox. Societies are leveraging digital data to help address the most wicked problems facing the planet such as climate change, poverty reduction and public health outcomes. In parallel to this public value creation there is a growing trust gap between citizens and their governments, with the use of digital data a significant contributing factor.
In an environment of falling trust in public institutions (OECD, 2018), support for public policy initiatives delivering better educational outcomes for children are dependent on the human element in decision making. As digital data moves through the data lifecycle of research, policy, program delivery and evaluation, how humans work with machines is a determinant for building public trust in institutions accountable for decision making.
This chapter examines the relationship emerging between humans and machines in a decade to be dominated by artificial intelligence and the use of Big Data (Daugherty, Wilson 2018). It will be the human dimension, guided by a dynamic evidence base of digital data, providing the balance in managing the risks (i.e. privacy, security, ethics) and rewards (ie. better educational outcomes for stronger societies). Show less

This paper describes the indings of a joint research initiative between Accenture and the Australian National University’s (ANU) Centre for Social Research and Methods (CSRM). The project
set out to explore and enhance the CSRM’s methodology and modelling tool for optimising the social security system. It set out to achieve this through a powerful, ready-to-use analytics toolset with a visualisation capability, that will assist policymakers in making evidence-based decisions. The… Show more

This paper describes the indings of a joint research initiative between Accenture and the Australian National University’s (ANU) Centre for Social Research and Methods (CSRM). The project
set out to explore and enhance the CSRM’s methodology and modelling tool for optimising the social security system. It set out to achieve this through a powerful, ready-to-use analytics toolset with a visualisation capability, that will assist policymakers in making evidence-based decisions. The illustrative case used to demonstrate the application of the methodology, the modelling and the visualisation tool, is minimising relative income poverty using population-based data from Australia. Show less

In this discussion paper, we propose an “intelligent community” narrative incorporating the technology aspects of a smart city, with parallel investment in social capital and liveability factors contributing to better outcomes through a virtuous

The concept of nudge theory, from the fields of behavioural science, political theory and behavioural
economics, has sparked government initiatives yielding significant public value. A nudge is a method for predictably altering behaviour without restricting consumer choice options or significantly changing incentives. Nudges work by leveraging default human behaviour such as the tendency to
take the path of least resistance when exercising choice. Government agencies have run many… Show more

The concept of nudge theory, from the fields of behavioural science, political theory and behavioural
economics, has sparked government initiatives yielding significant public value. A nudge is a method for predictably altering behaviour without restricting consumer choice options or significantly changing incentives. Nudges work by leveraging default human behaviour such as the tendency to
take the path of least resistance when exercising choice. Government agencies have run many successful trials with simple textual nudges designed to positively influence behaviours such as tax compliance, voter registration and student attrition. This article develops the concept of the digital nudge in social security administration. The digital nudge leverages predictive analytics technology within a digital government framework to support a social investment policy approach. Based on a literature review of nudges within a digital government context, the article identifies examples of innovation within social security administration where nudges are contributing to better social outcomes. At the same time, concerns regarding ethics and privacy are identified as nudges are applied at the individual rather than the population level. The use of data and personal
information to drive the nudge process has to be managed in such a way that individual rights are protected. This requirement has to be reconciled with the broader interests of society in achieving affordable outcomes, the parameters of which are determined through the political process. Show less

This paper explores improving social outcomes through predictive analytics and managing the emerging moral hazard and ethical challenges. Published to coincide with the formal launch of the SAP Institute for Digital Government.
The purpose of this discussion paper is to raise awareness, promote discussion and encourage research on the challenge of moral hazard and ethical issues from the use of predictive analytics in decision making in social protection policy making and… Show more

This paper explores improving social outcomes through predictive analytics and managing the emerging moral hazard and ethical challenges. Published to coincide with the formal launch of the SAP Institute for Digital Government.
The purpose of this discussion paper is to raise awareness, promote discussion and encourage research on the challenge of moral hazard and ethical issues from the use of predictive analytics in decision making in social protection policy making and administration.

While this discussion paper is focused on social protection, the challenges discussed are relevant across all areas of public administration. Social protection is where these challenges are likely to manifest more often as it is one of the highest touch points between a government and its citizens. Show less

IBM has removed the link to this publication - please contact me directly for a copy of the original report :: RightServicing provides a new perspective for social program organisations in how to develop policy and deliver services to achieve better social outcomes while improving efficiency. RightServicing examines under-servicing and over-servicing and identifies nine characteristics organisations must invest in to achieve a balance of meeting the needs of individuals and communities… Show more

IBM has removed the link to this publication - please contact me directly for a copy of the original report :: RightServicing provides a new perspective for social program organisations in how to develop policy and deliver services to achieve better social outcomes while improving efficiency. RightServicing examines under-servicing and over-servicing and identifies nine characteristics organisations must invest in to achieve a balance of meeting the needs of individuals and communities while at the same time addressing societal level outcomes within the fiscal realities of current times. Show less