An evolution of public sector innovation labs, these teams sit within their government's civil service and drive more modern approaches to digital government.

Originally inspired by the tech industry and startup culture, they focus on values like user-centered design, data-driven decision-making, open-source technology, developing in-house capacity to deliver on tech, and building digital platforms to deliver public services.

They tend to adopt a more efficient approach to government procurement of technology, developing in-house talent and capabilities for delivering on public sector priorities rather than over-rely on govtech vendors.

Suggested reading:

• Digital Government Units: Origins, Orthodoxy and Critical Considerations for Public Management Theory and Practice, by Amanda Clarke, School of Public Policy and Administration, Carleton University (2017)