Why Agile Working is the Future of the Dutch Government

Imagine working within the Dutch government and being confronted with new challenges every day. The world around us is changing at lightning speed: technological innovations, climate change, global crises. It’s a constant stream of events you need to respond to. It can feel like you’re always playing catch-up. How can a government organization remain agile and effective in such a dynamic environment?

A World in Transition

Jan Rotmans, a professor of transition studies, describes it aptly: we are in the midst of a transition to a new era. This isn’t just a period of change; it’s a fundamental shift in how we live, work, and interact. These transitions demand a different approach from what we’re used to.

The Dutch government operates in a playing field where both national and international developments have an impact. Think of increasingly complex regulations from the EU or crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, agile working is no longer a luxury but a necessity.

The Power of Agile and Scrum

This is where Agile working with Scrum comes into play. You may have heard of it, but what does it really mean? Agile is a mindset centered on flexibility, collaboration, and putting the customer—or in the case of the government, the citizen—at the core. 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 to changes more quickly and better align with the needs of society. It means you’re not stuck with a policy plan that becomes outdated before it’s even implemented, but instead, you continuously learn and adjust.

Wherever collaboration, innovation, and speed are crucial, Agile proves its value—be it in policy development, public services, or participation projects.

Why is This So Important for the Government?

Traditional government methods often rely on waterfall approaches: projects are extensively planned, executed, and finalized in a linear process. However, in a world that’s constantly changing, this approach is not always effective. The consequences? Delays, cost overruns, and solutions that don’t meet citizens’ needs.

• Increased citizen expectations: People want fast, accessible, and tailored services—think digital portals or subsidy systems.
• Complexity of issues: From climate policy to housing shortages, government challenges are often too big to solve in one go. Iterative steps are essential.
• Technological advancements: New technologies like AI and data-driven policy require rapid adaptation and experimentation.

The Benefits of Agile for the Government

• Quick response to changes: Instead of struggling with sluggish processes, government organizations can rapidly react to current events, such as addressing a new health crisis or implementing urgent climate measures.
• Improved collaboration: Agile fosters cross-departmental and interdisciplinary cooperation. This breaks down silos and encourages an integrated approach to problems.
• Citizen-focused policies: By continuously collecting and processing feedback, policies are better aligned with the needs and desires of society.
• Encouraging innovation: A culture of experimentation and learning leads to innovative solutions for complex issues.

People Make the Difference

According to Jan Rotmans, it’s not structures or technologies that drive transitions but people. It’s the engaged civil servants, policymakers, and implementers who can make the difference. Support from organizations that understand this is essential in implementing Agile in a human-centric way. These organizations help teams not only grasp the methodology but also develop the mindset needed for true agility.

The Challenges Ahead

Of course, transitioning to Agile working doesn’t come without challenges:

• Cultural change: It requires a different way of thinking and doing—moving from top-down hierarchies to self-organizing teams. That’s a big step that takes time and effort.
• Regulation and bureaucracy: The government operates within strict legal frameworks. Balancing flexibility with these frameworks is challenging but not impossible.
• Training and support: Employees need the right training and tools to work Agile successfully.

The Promise of Agile in Practice

Fortunately, there are already examples of successful Agile adoption within government organizations. Municipalities have used Agile principles to structure participation projects, increasing citizen involvement in decision-making. Ministries have delivered digital projects more quickly and efficiently using Agile methodologies, resulting in better public services.

These pioneers demonstrate that, with investment in a new way of thinking and working, change is possible.

Shaping the Future Together

The urgency is high. The world doesn’t wait, and societal challenges are immense. But there is 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 letting go of old patterns and embracing a new way of working—a way that acknowledges the complexity of today’s world and creates room for creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

The transition Jan Rotmans speaks of doesn’t have to be a threat; it can be an opportunity to create a future-proof government ready for the challenges of 2024 and beyond.

It’s time to take the leap—for the citizens and for the future of the Netherlands.

What’s Next in This Series?

In this blog series, we explore the growing need for Agile working within the Dutch government. We’ll discuss how Agile can aid in policymaking, citizen participation, and legislation, as well as the challenges involved. Additionally, we’ll share real-world examples and practical tips for introducing Agile in your organization.

Up next: Traditional methods vs. Agile—the mismatch in a dynamic world. Why old approaches often fall short and how Agile can make a difference.

What Do You Think?

Do you see Agile as a solution to the challenges within the government? Or do you have experience working Agile in a governmental context? Let us know and send us a message!