Why Agile Working is the Future for Dutch Government

Imagine working within the Dutch government and facing new challenges every day. The world around us is changing rapidly: technological innovations, climate change, global crises. It's a constant stream of events you need to respond to. It can feel like you're continuously playing catch-up. How do you remain agile and effective as a government organization in such a dynamic environment?

A World in Transition

Jan Rotmans, professor of transition studies, describes it aptly: we're in the middle of a transition to a new era. It's not just a period of change; it's a fundamental shift in how we live, work, and interact with each other. These transitions require a different approach than we're used to.

The Dutch government operates in a playing field where both national and international developments have an impact. Think of the increasingly complex regulations from the EU or crises like the corona pandemic. Agile working is no longer a luxury in this context, but a necessity.

The Power of Agile and Scrum

This is where Agile working with Scrum comes in. Perhaps you've heard of it before, but what does it actually mean? Agile is a vision that revolves around flexibility, collaboration, and putting the customer—or in the government's case, the citizen—at the center. Scrum is a framework that helps teams become Agile by delivering work in short, manageable periods called sprints and continuously improving based on feedback.

By embracing Agile working with Scrum, the government can respond more quickly to changes and better align with society's needs. It means you're not stuck with a policy plan for years that's already outdated upon delivery, but that you continuously learn and adjust.

Wherever collaboration, innovation, and speed are crucial, Agile proves its value. Think of policy development, service delivery, and participation processes.

Why is this so Important for Government?

Traditional working methods in government are often based on waterfall methods: projects are extensively planned, executed, and completed in a linear process. But in a time when reality is constantly changing, this approach doesn't always prove effective. The consequences? Delays, cost overruns, and solutions that don't meet citizens' needs.

• Increased citizen expectations: People want fast, accessible, and customized service delivery. Think of digital service desks or subsidy systems.
• Complexity of issues: From climate policy to housing shortages, government challenges are often too big to solve at once. Iterative steps are essential.
• Technological advancement: New technologies like AI and data-driven policy require quick adaptation and experimentation.

The Benefits of Agile for Government

• Quick Response to Changes: Instead of struggling with slowness, government organizations can quickly respond to current events. Think of adequately addressing a new health crisis or implementing urgent climate measures.
• Better Collaboration: Agile stimulates collaboration across departments and disciplines. This breaks down silos and promotes an integrated approach to problems.
• Putting Citizens First: By continuously collecting and processing feedback, policy aligns better with society's needs and wishes.
• Stimulating Innovation: A culture where experimentation and learning are central leads to innovative solutions for complex issues.

People Make the Difference

According to Jan Rotmans, it's not the structures or technologies that determine the transition, but the people. It's the committed civil servants, policymakers, and implementers who can make the difference. This is where organizations are needed that understand this and offer support in implementing Agile working in a people-centered way. They help teams not only understand the methodology but also develop the mindset needed for true agility.

The Challenges Ahead

Of course, the transition to Agile working is not without challenges:

• Cultural Change: It requires a different way of thinking and doing. From top-down to self-organizing teams. That's a big step that takes time and commitment.
• Regulation and Bureaucracy: The government operates within strict legal frameworks. It's a challenge to be flexible within these frameworks, but not impossible.
• Training and Support: Employees need the right training and tools to successfully work Agile.

The Promise of Agile in Practice

Fortunately, there are already examples where Agile is successfully applied within government organizations, including Municipalities that set up participation processes according to Agile principles, making residents more involved in decision-making. And Ministries that deliver digital projects faster and more efficiently by using Agile methodologies, leading to better service delivery.

These pioneers show that, provided there is investment in a new way of thinking and working, change is possible.

Together into the Future

The urgency is high. The world isn't waiting and the societal challenges are great. But there's also enormous potential. By embracing Agile working with Scrum, the Dutch government can not only become more effective and efficient but also set an example for others.

It starts with daring to let go of old patterns and embracing a new way of working. A way that does justice to the complexity of the current era and provides space for creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

The transition that Jan Rotmans speaks of doesn't have to be a threat, but can be an opportunity to create a future-proof government ready for today's and tomorrow's challenges.

It's time to take the leap. For the citizens and for the future of the Netherlands.

Explore our Agile training courses for government organizations.