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Originally published on January 11, 2021
The Center for Business Civic Engagement (CBCE) at the Schar School of Policy and Government has announced the beginning of the Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Initiative going into 2021. This initiative, partnering the Schar School and UiPath, a leading enterprise RPA software company, will allow experts to determine RPA’s impact on government effectiveness.
What is RPA? RPA is the technology that allows anyone today to configure computer software, or a “robot,” to emulate and integrate the actions of a human interacting within digital systems to execute a business process.
RPA robots utilize the user interface to capture data and manipulate applications just like humans do. They interpret, trigger responses, and communicate with other systems in order to perform on a vast variety of repetitive tasks, only substantially better: An RPA software robot never sleeps and makes zero mistakes.
This can improve productivity, streamline operations, and speed up the delivery of service for public sector organizations, including governments. This initiative, specifically, will also study governance models to further effectiveness and efficiency.
“We are excited to partner with UiPath, a leader and innovator, and look forward to helping determine how RPA usage can improve the working of public sector organizations and succeed in meeting the ever-growing demand for services among stakeholders,” said David K. Rehr, director of the CBCE at the Schar School. “This is a critical endeavor and a timely moment in our history.”
“Our center at George Mason University focuses on researching ways to make government more effective and efficient,” Rehr continued. “We have seen recent examples of RPA deployments throughout federal, local, and state governments helping to confront the COVID pandemic while protecting the safety of our citizens.”
“Mason has a history of innovation, technology, and studying public policy,” said Bobby Patrick, chief marketing officer of New York-based UiPath. “We believe the partnership is a great fit and will benefit citizens seeking greater value in public sector programs and initiatives.”