VEKA and DXC are turning digital strategy into measurable public value

We are transitioning from isolated systems to a connected ecosystem that supports the entire policy lifecycle – from idea to execution. The ambition is not purely technical – it is about improving how citizens experience public services, ensuring that every new regulation can be quickly reflected in a precise and reliable digital service.

Two drivers accelerate the need for GaaP:

• Addressing legacy technical debt that slows innovation
• The growing need for speed and agility in response to new policy initiatives

Our approach reduces the duplication of custom code and accelerates delivery, which is exactly what we need today to meet the many business requirements coming our way.

We follow an API-first approach, refactoring code into modular microservices that support business processes. We standardise across three domains — functional, data and integration — while minimising custom applications by integrating legacy with new components.

Each component has a clear, single purpose and is designed for reuse, reducing complexity and enabling faster response to new policy requirements.

With DXC’s support, we’ve established clear design standards and integration guidelines, ensuring all components interact securely and consistently across the platform.

We established a new governance structure and introduced a platform product management approach. Every new business request is analyzed to determine what components can be reused. In return, the business gains insights into a clear roadmap when new components become available or are upgraded. Investments in new components are presented to the board for approval, and thus, we have a prioritised backlog for new development and legacy refactoring.

Effective governance is what keeps the platform sustainable. We have introduced ownership for every building block and a shared decision process with business colleagues. This helps us prioritize investment based on reuse and impact rather than individual project demands. DXC contributes architectural expertise and practical experience from other public sector environments, allowing us to refine these governance practices and keep them pragmatic.

DXC has been a partner of our agency for over 20 years. They are familiar with our business and have developed numerous applications for VEKA. They also understand our vision and participate in converting legacy code into new components, as well as helping to build new ones.

DXC’s long-term knowledge of our environment provides continuity, while their experience in other government and energy programs brings fresh insight. Together, we translate our platform principles into real, working components. DXC helps us challenge assumptions, ensure scalability and maintain architectural discipline — qualities that are crucial when you evolve from legacy systems to a modern platform model.

We align business demand and service development closely with partners such as DXC, ensuring all components are built at the right layer and adhere to shared platform standards. This common framework makes it far easier to add APIs and services than to integrate siloed systems.

DXC helps define and maintain these standards, enabling each partner to contribute its expertise — from application development to integration and data — while staying aligned to the platform architecture.

 We already see results. Reusable components — such as forms, decision rules and workflows — enable us to deliver new policies much faster, shifting from building applications to assembling them.

This also improves collaboration between policy and IT, using shared patterns to respond in weeks rather than months.

Centralising data and processes has strengthened compliance, reduced complexity, and improved capabilities such as faster fraud detection.

Adopting a platform model requires transforming both business and IT operating models — not just adding digital features. Success depends on strong governance, clear architectural discipline, and continuous evolution to maintain integrity and scalability.

Culture is equally critical. A platform only works when teams and partners align around reuse and shared standards. DXC has played a key role in defining reference architectures and ensuring consistency across delivery.

Data quality is another foundation. Strong data governance enables automation, analytics and AI, ensuring future innovation is built on reliable data.

Looking ahead, our platform will be modular, integrated and scalable, built on a growing library of reusable components and seamless connections across the energy ecosystem. This enables faster policy implementation and quicker access to services for citizens.

Scalability remains critical, with a cloud-native, event-driven and API-first architecture underpinning future growth.

We are also embedding AI across the platform, including assisted development, fraud detection and proactive services, while enabling reuse of components across Flemish government agencies. This will extend the platform’s value beyond VEKA and strengthen overall digital capability.

My advice is to start small and design for reuse. Define your platform architecture, standardise a recurring process, and deliver it as a reusable building block. Organise teams around capabilities, measure progress, and partner with experienced organisations like DXC. Above all, avoid new monolithic applications and enforce strict architectural discipline.

Equally, focus on people and governance from day one. Demonstrate early value, promote reuse, and build strong partnerships based on shared responsibility. This mindset is what makes a platform approach sustainable.