The Digital Government Authority (DGA) issued a 2023 report on the readiness for adopting emerging technologies, which measures capabilities related to “Research, Communication, Proof, and Integration.” The report is designed to assist government agencies in determining their readiness levels, exploring gaps and optimization opportunities and providing plans for capacity building in a manner commensurate with requirements, ensuring the achievement of desired benefits. 
 
H.E. Eng. Ahmed Mohammed Alsuwaiyan, the Governor of DGA, stated that the report aims to support government agencies by identifying the most sustainable emerging technologies and investing in them efficiently and effectively to enhance the beneficiary experience by working on the latest innovative technologies and solutions to contribute to building future government.

The overall score for assessing the readiness of government agencies to adopt emerging technologies was (60.35%), at the “Competent” level. The participating agencies have shown progress in most of the capabilities related to adopting emerging technologies, as well as remarkable potential for excellence and achieving an integrated creative experience. In the “Research” capability, government agencies scored (63.31%) at the “Competent” level, compared to (64.38%) in the “Communication” capability, which also reached the "Competent" level. As for the “Proof” capability, government agencies reached the “Competent” level, with a score of (64.31%). However, in the "Integration" capability, they scored (49.40%), which is also at the "Competent" level.

The top ten government agencies and their results are as follows: The Communications, Space & Technology Commission ranked first, followed by the Ministry of Justice, the Saline Water Conversion Corporation, the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services, and the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Finance, all at the "Advanced" level. The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Tourism achieved a “Competent” overall score in the assessment.
 
The most commonly used emerging technologies include artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, blockchain, augmented and virtual reality, and drones. The key uses are outlined as follows: Bulk SMS Management System using blockchain, virtual health services, Prediction of judicial decisions using AI, proof of concept for book permits for publication, in addition to smart transport system and smart boards, travel and tourism through the metaverse.
 
The report comes within the framework of DGA to issue indicators and reports that measure the performance of government agencies and their capabilities to enhance Saudi Arabia’s digital leadership. Saudi Arabia ranked (third) among 198 countries in GovTech Maturity Index (GTMI) issued by the World Bank Group, and ranked (first) in the region in the Government Electronic and Mobile Services Maturity Index 2022 issued by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). In addition, Saudi Arabia achieved its highest historical result in United Nations E-Government Development Index (EGDI) since its launch 20 years ago.
 
To download the report, click on the picture below: