Digital maturity
Digital maturity measures how effectively an organisation uses and incorporates digital technologies and practices to achieve its goals. Digital maturity is not just about having technology; it is about integrating it into processes and decision-making. An Australian Public Service (APS) that is digitally mature:
- is future-ready and able to respond quickly to evolving needs
- is confident to make informed digital decisions and prioritise investments
- ensures emerging technologies can be leveraged responsibly to deliver government efficiencies.
Digital Maturity Assessment overview
The Digital Maturity Assessment provides APS agencies with a mechanism to measure and track their digital maturity over time.
Developed by the Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) in partnership with APS agencies, it offers a consistent and reliable way to measure digital maturity at both the agency level and across government.
The assessment:
- is a mechanism for coordinated transformation
- establishes a common language and framework for digital capability
- aligns with whole-of-government priorities, including the Data and Digital Government Strategy
- incorporates a shared approach to strengthen transparency, so agencies can move forward together, rather than in isolation
- will provide agencies with a snapshot report to inform and guide progression of their digital maturity.
Assessment model
The Digital Maturity Assessment model is an evidence‑based framework developed through extensive APS engagement and research. It consists of three pillars, reflecting the areas identified as being most critical to achieving digital maturity.
Within the pillars are 10 themes that group together related facets of digital maturity, and 25 maturity indicators which are the specific criteria measured in the assessment.
- Maturity indicators: the criteria of digital maturity, they include a list of actions.
- Actions: behaviours, artefacts and processes typically found in digitally mature agencies. Agencies use tick boxes to indicate the actions that are in place in their agency at the time of the assessment.
- Capability scale: shows how strong an agency’s capability is for each maturity indicator. Agencies rate themselves from level 1 (lowest) to level 5 (highest) against a capability statement.
- Alignment scale: measures an agency’s level of alignment across the agency and government. Agencies rate themselves from level 1 (lowest) to level 5 (highest) against a statement to show how widespread the activity is.
Assessment model — reference
Capability and Alignment scales
Capability Scale | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level choice should reflect whether the maturity indicator is in place, how effective it is, and whether it is designed with the future in mind. Capability scale results indicate both the current state and the forward-looking strength of an agency's digital maturity. | The maturity indicator is not yet established in the agency. | The maturity indicator exists but is ad hoc or occurs in response to the immediate needs of the agency. | The maturity indicator is established in the agency, catering to immediate needs. | The maturity indicator is embedded and effective for the agency's size, scale, complexity and remit. | The maturity indicator is established or embedded in the agency and set up to achieve future needs. |
Alignment Scale | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level choice should examine whether the digital activity is embedded in everyday processes, applied consistently across teams, or integrated with other internal and external systems. Highly aligned, digitally mature activities are used across the agency as well as across government. | The maturity indicator is not yet integrated, supported or aligned in the agency. | The maturity indicator is partially integrated, supported and aligned with some teams and individuals in the agency. | The maturity indicator is integrated, supported and available to all teams across the agency. | The maturity indicator is integrated, supported and available across the agency and aligned with other government agencies. | The agency is an exemplar of the maturity indicator and is active in shaping the digital direction of government. |
The levels on the Capability scale shows the existence or effectiveness of a maturity indicator. The Alignment levels assess how embedded or integrated the indicator is with internal and external processes.
Agencies select the highest level which is true on each scale.