Inside Biscay’s Digital Government Push and the Challenge of Scaling Success

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), through its Directorate for Public Governance and its global network of digital government experts, has taken a close look at how Biscay in Spain is transforming its public sector. The findings present a clear picture: Biscay is ahead of many regions in building a modern, digital government, but the harder part lies ahead. The province now needs to move from strong foundations to delivering consistent, large-scale results that improve everyday life for citizens.

Strong Foundations, But New Pressures

Biscay benefits from a unique mix of advantages. It has a strong economy, political stability, and the ability to manage its own finances. These factors have allowed the provincial government to invest steadily in technology and innovation. As a result, digital tools are no longer experimental but increasingly part of how government works.

However, the region faces a growing challenge. Its population is ageing rapidly, which means more demand for social and healthcare services, while the workforce is shrinking. This puts pressure on public services and makes efficiency more important than ever. Digital solutions can help, but only if they are designed well and used consistently across the system.

A Well-Organised Digital Government

One of Biscay's biggest strengths is how its digital transformation is organised. The government has a clear structure where leadership, policy, and technical delivery are well-connected. A public technology company, Lantik, plays a key role in building and maintaining digital systems.

All efforts are guided by a long-term plan called the Digital Agenda 2027. This roadmap aims to improve public services, promote innovation, and develop digital skills among citizens and public employees. It also focuses on making services easier to use and more accessible.

But the OECD warns that being stable and well-organised can sometimes slow change. When systems work well, there is a risk of becoming too comfortable. Biscay is encouraged to regularly rethink its strategies, test new ideas, and prepare for future risks like cyber threats or economic shifts.

Investing Smartly and Building Skills

Biscay has created strong systems to plan and manage digital investments. Projects are carefully designed, reviewed, and aligned with strategic goals. This helps avoid waste and ensures that money is spent wisely.

However, there is a missing piece. The government does not always measure whether these investments actually deliver real benefits. The OECD suggests focusing more on results, not just processes. This means tracking outcomes, learning from experience, and prioritising projects that create the most value.

At the same time, people remain at the centre of digital transformation. Biscay has invested in training public employees and improving digital skills. Programmes and certifications help staff adapt to new technologies. Still, more needs to be done. A clearer, long-term skills strategy is required, especially as older workers retire and new skills become essential. Encouraging experimentation and learning by doing will be key to keeping the workforce agile.

Data, AI and Better Public Services

Biscay is making good progress in using data and artificial intelligence to improve decision-making. It has set up systems to manage data more effectively and is already using AI in areas like transport planning and social services.

These efforts show real promise, but they are still at an early stage. Many projects remain small pilots rather than full-scale solutions. The OECD highlights the need for clear rules, better coordination, and more transparency to ensure trust as AI becomes more widely used.

At the same time, the province is trying to improve how citizens interact with the government. It is building an "omnichannel" system where people can access services online, by phone, or in person. This approach aims to make services more convenient and inclusive. However, not all departments are equally advanced, and more consistency is needed.

Innovation Through GovTech

One of Biscay's standout achievements is its GovTech programme. Through this initiative, the government works with startups and innovators to develop new solutions to public challenges. The GovTech Lab allows ideas to be tested quickly and improved through real-world use.

This has created a culture of innovation and collaboration. But again, scaling remains the issue. Many successful pilots are not fully integrated into regular government operations. To maximise impact, Biscay needs to connect these innovations with budgeting and procurement processes so that good ideas can grow and spread.

The Road Ahead

Overall, Biscay has built a strong and modern digital government. It has the right structures, talent, and ambition. The next step is to make these efforts work at scale. That means focusing on results, improving coordination, and staying flexible in a fast-changing world. If it succeeds, Biscay could become a model for digital government not just in Spain, but globally.