As digital systems become increasingly embedded in public services, it is common to wonder how can technology support rather than replace human expertise

 The debate was explored in depth at the IRSPM Conference 2026 in Perth, where, during the panel “For Better or Worse? Human–Tech Complementarity in the Public Sector”, Anette Hallin and Chris Ivory examined the growing relationship between technology, leadership and public sector decision-making.

Chang Sheng Leong, researcher at Trinity College Dublin, focused on digital leadership in public healthcare, exploring how management choices and workplace culture influence the way healthcare professionals experience new technologies. 

Do digital tools help teams collaborate, learn and improve patient care? Or do they create pressure through rigid systems, heavier workloads and reduced professional independence?

The conversation highlighted that successful innovation is not only about the technology itself: governance, ethics, training and public trust all play a vital role in ensuring digital systems strengthen public services. International collaboration and evidence-based leadership will be essential to building public services that work better for everyone.

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