We specialize in overseeing comprehensive IT and technology modernization initiatives, guiding agencies through transformation processes, and managing IT consolidation. Our approach involves collaborating with clients to design, develop, and deliver complex IT systems in a way that can surpass quality standards and mitigates risks associated with conventional system integrators. We empower public sector entities to embrace efficiencies and innovation by ensuring each step of the transformation journey aligns with their unique end-user needs.
How we can help
Holistic tech transformations
Design and deliver holistic tech transformations leveraging the McKinsey Technology: Forward multiyear approach, which defines the full value at stake and offers a holistic road map. Benefits can start to accrue in three to six months.
Tech capability building
Define a comprehensive tech talent road map to strengthen in-house capabilities through structured learning modules.
Agile way of working at scale
Introduce agile ways of working across the entire organization, adapting agile principles and methodologies to meet the specific needs and context of the public sector to ensure an increasingly responsive and adaptable organization.
Government enterprise architecture
Develop a whole-of-government enterprise architecture and chart a transformation path across departments and agencies.
Customer experience transformation
Design a comprehensive process to achieve a customer-centric approach by implementing key components such as journey design, customer experience standards, operating model, and professional development.
Case studies
Virtual services platform
Implemented a virtual services platform for behavioral health, serving about ten million potential users
We accelerated the process (from early idea to preparing for full launch in less than 24 months) of a more than $500 million virtual-services platform that aimed to provide statewide, evidence-based, culturally competent, and equity-focused support to children and youth. In the process, we engaged more than 300 external stakeholders to define aspirational targets and outcomes, performed a market scan of more than 400 platforms, led end-user engagement and testing to refine product and business processes, and ratified with more than 100 stakeholders to ensure alignment, transparency, and the success of the program.
Statewide user portal
Developed a patient portal and immunization hub to connect about two million residents to about 23,500 licensed prescribers and about 10,000 pharmacies
We helped launch a statewide portal to democratize patient access to information (such as medication dispensing, health records, and immunization history). In less than six months, we developed and launched the portal with features such as secure user authentication, access to family member records, provisioning of SMART Health Cards, and AI on a Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR)–compliant platform. In the process, we established a joint agile operating model with ceremonies (sprint demos, backlog pruning, and so on), and upskilled our client to stand up a cross-functional business and tech product team to continuously enhance the platform.
National information exchange platform
Program managed and value assured the development of the healthcare information exchange platform
We managed a five-year program to develop the national health information exchange platform and the national data-driven solutions to facilitate data-driven decision making, system administration and public health management of the entire population.
We partnered with system integrators, developers, and other technical delivery stakeholders for at-scale delivery in less than two years of design and development across solutions. The transformation is expected to increase patient satisfaction and data transparency and will result in an 8–11 percent efficiency improvement by reducing duplicate tests, waiting times, time spent for patient information, prescription errors, and paperwork.
Digital transformation
Developed plans for a digital transformation and a customer experience redesign to increase capacity and reduce wait time at a state department of motor vehicles (DMV)
We completed a statewide customer segmentation to map the end-to-end customer journey, construct customer personas, and identify transactions that could be eliminated from the processes. As part of the effort, we helped stand up an “innovation garage” to drive rapid execution and embed agile ways of working for prioritized digital initiatives, and we launched testable prototypes in the field to ultimately achieve 60 percent reduction in time spent per customer transaction— effectively doubling the DMV’s capacity to serve its residents.
Featured capabilities
Build by McKinsey
Build by McKinsey is a unit of world-class, designers and technologists, within McKinsey Digital, that makes game-changing ideas for clients into reality.
Technology in Service Operations
Transforming customer journeys or processes at scale, leveraging the latest digital approaches, including automation, digitization, and advanced analytics
Ignite
Ignite transforms and reinvents business to capture the full potential of digital
Featured experts
Abdallah Saleme
PartnerNew Jersey
Helps organizations develop innovative strategies and transform technology capabilities to better serve stakeholders
Ali Ustun
PartnerDoha
Supports public, social, and healthcare clients on a broad range of strategic, development, and digital-transformation topics
Anusha Dhasarathy
PartnerChicago
Brings deep expertise and a passion for helping clients transform their performance through digital and advanced analytics
Belkis Vasquez-McCall
PartnerSouthern California
Leads Build by McKinsey in North America, helping organizations plan and build digital solutions to accelerate transformation...
Gayatri Shenai
PartnerNew York
Uses digital and analytics to help public- and private-sector institutions transform operational performance and improve competitive...
Hrishika Vuppala
Senior PartnerSouthern California
Leader in the global digital and analytics work for our Public Sector and Healthcare clients with a focus on driving innovative...
Jessica P. Kahn
PartnerWashington DC
Coleader of our US state Medicaid and social services information technology work
Mark McMillan
Senior PartnerWashington DC
Leader in Digital McKinsey with expertise helping private- and public-sector clients develop digital strategies, manage large-scale...
Tolian Gjika
PartnerSouthern California
Advises public and private sector organizations on digitally-enabled transformations that drive innovation and transform customer...
Featured insights
Article
The big product and platform shift: Five actions to get the transformation right
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To succeed, incumbent organizations need to take five actions as they scale their product and platform model transformations.
Article
Unlocking the potential of public-service digitization
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Legislation governing public services can affect the potential for digitization. Digital-compatibility checks leveraging “rules...
Article
The Tech:Forward recipe for a successful technology transformation
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Successful transformations rely on mastering the complex set of interdependencies between systems and initiatives.
Survey
Five key questions to get a tech transformation right
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The most financially successful companies approach tech transformations differently from the rest, and their methods suggest...