3.2 Transparency gains A lack of transparency and corruption costs the global economy an estimated 5% of GDP (gross domestic product) every year,8 stunting economic growth and eroding trust in public institutions. The potential of GovTech in combating corruption is substantial. It is estimated that such solutions could reduce the financial toll of corruption by as much as 10%, potentially saving $1.1 trillion by 2034 (see Figure 2; see section A3 on page 29 for methodology behind the analysis). In Ukraine, the Unified State Electronic System in the Construction Sector (USESCS) has brought transparency to the construction process, covering the entire project life cycle and reducing corruption risks. The system allows individuals, businesses and government bodies to interact electronically, verify real estate details and track public fund expenditures. Azerbaijan’s e-Court System has transformed the judicial process by providing a digital platform where citizens can track court cases, submit documents electronically and participate in virtual hearings. This system enhances judicial transparency by reducing delays and limiting opportunities for manipulation or malpractice, reinforcing confidence in the legal process.By adopting digital solutions like open data platforms, e-billing, e-procurement and secure digital records, governments can bring greater visibility and accountability to their operations. These technologies promote transparency, empower citizens with access to information and help rebuild trust in public services – an essential element for sustainable economic development. In Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijan Service and Assessment Network (ASAN) appeal information system exemplifies this potential by allowing citizens to report infrastructure and environmental issues directly to relevant authorities, enhancing participation in public administration and enabling faster responses to pressing concerns. Bahrain’s Open Data Portal reflects a commitment to transparency, offering free access to more than 390 datasets from various government sectors. By making non-sensitive data publicly available, the initiative encourages collaboration and innovation, giving citizens and businesses the tools to address societal challenges and contribute to public discourse. 3.3 Sustainability gains GovTech is set to play a critical role in sustainability and climate change mitigation by encouraging responsible environmental stewardship. By digitizing public sector operations, reducing resource consumption and enhancing the effectiveness of government services, GovTech is advancing sustainability goals. The stakes are high: without decisive action, the economic cost of climate inaction – including the direct costs of environmental damage, disaster response and the long-term impacts on productivity – could reach 20% of global annual GDP .9 Studies suggest that digital solutions, if scaled across industries, could reduce global emissions by as much as 20%.10 Equally, digital solutions offer governments a pathway to both reduce the environmental toll of their own operations and accelerate climate action across the economy. While earlier digital efforts often focused on the reduction of paper use, other factors such as remote work, efficient building management and reduced vehicle emissions are crucial in making the public sector less resource-intensive. Over the next decade, such sustainability-focused efficiencies could amount to savings of $2.9 trillion (see Figure 2; see section A3 on page 29 for methodology behind the analysis). In Berlin, the local government is harnessing data- driven visualizations and dashboards to guide decision-making on sustainability goals, enabling more effective resource management. Meanwhile, in Malaysia, the government is helping small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) digitize their operations, providing tools that improve efficiency and reduce energy consumption. In Ukraine, the EcoSystem platform empowers citizens to report environmental hazards in real time, allowing authorities to quickly assess and respond to emerging threats. These examples illustrate how governments worldwide are embracing technology not just to improve governance but to drive tangible progress on sustainability – a critical imperative in the face of escalating environmental challenges. Over the next decade, sustainability focused gains could amount to savings of $2.9 trillion. By 2034, GovTech can help reduce transparency costs by 15% which could amount to savings of $1.1 trillion. The Global Public Impact of GovTech: A $9.8 Trillion Opportunity 14

The Global Public Impact of GovTech 2025