The Role of GovTech Incubators in Augmenting Public Sector Capabilities

Many governments worldwide have set up gov-tech incubators to support the development of technology startups focused on improving public services. Additionally, numerous cities and regional governments have established various tech hubs and incubators to support the development of local technology startups, some focusing on innovating public goods and services. This chapter utilises a review of existing literature and documented case studies to define what “gov-tech incubators” are, analyse the factors that influence their development, examine the various forms they take, and explore the roles they can play in strengthening the ecosystems of actors working together to support the development and implementation of technology solutions and capabilities for the public sector. The findings underscore the importance of creating an environment that enables GovTech to flourish. This includes establishing clear strategies and visions, promoting open innovation, and ensuring that digital transformation initiatives are user-centric and inclusive. However, the urgency of addressing barriers such as the digital divide, bureaucratic inertia, and resource constraints cannot be overstated. It is essential to fully harness the potential of GovTech incubators and accelerate the pace of public sector transformation.