Public services represent the most common interactions that people, businesses and organisations have with governments. Putting users at the centre of the design and delivery of public services can improve resource allocation and provide services that respond more effectively to users’ needs and expectations. This can also positively affect satisfaction and trust with governments (OECD, 2022a). The adoption and use of public service standards can help public sector institutions to take a common and consolidated approach to designing and delivering services across institutional boundaries, giving users a more unified experience when they access public services through different channels (online or offline).

Digital public infrastructure (DPI) refers to the common, foundational digital systems that enable the delivery of services in the digital age. Elements of DPI can be developed by the public or private sector, or co-developed to benefit the delivery and access to services across both sectors, and eventually across borders. DPI needs to be standards-based and re-usable.

Data form some of the most valuable resources in today’s world. Open government data (OGD) policies aim to ensure everyone has access to data from public bodies in open, free and accessible formats. They have become crucial for addressing both longstanding and emerging policy issues, such as the recent pandemic and the green transition.