Mobile Government 2010

<p> The former government recently launched its ICT strategy (January 26th 2010), which builts on the Smarter Government programme, and set out a raft of ways in which it intended to halve the public deficit by 2014. These include efficiency savings by increasing the use of online services, streamlining contact with the public and reducing digital exclusion.</p> <p> Mobile technology offers a numerous opportunities, including increasing efficiency and the delivery of services, and is already being used widely across the public sector. Mobile applications provide a key opportunity to enhance the delivery of service by relieving administrative burden and streamlining operations, driving progress, cost, economic and fuel savings, reducing carbon emissions and contributing to the achievement of green objectives.</p> <p> ICT advances have increased the opportunities for the public sector to be more innovative in the delivery of services and there day to day activities. Solutions that aim to reduce levels of social exclusion, improve access to services, and to transform working environments and workspace culture, by enhancing flexible working and information sharing are already in operation across the public sector.</p> <p> Numerous examples of cutting edge uses of mobile technology already exist and are well established. Information sharing, interactive digital television services that enable the delivery of services remotely, alerts and advice sent by mobile phone, enhancement of virtual networks and environments, increased penetration of thin client services, access to real-time information are all utilised in a variety of public service settings including NHS, police and local authorities. But more can and must be achieved. Dedicated programmes committed to enhancing mobile capability already exists in key areas of police and health.</p> <p> Utilising the opportunities presented by mobile ICT must become a key priority for the whole of the public sector. The Government is committed to putting the public’s needs first. That is why they intend on innovating and revolutionising their ICT systems to ensure that they are as effective and efficient as possible for those working in the public sector, and at the same time they are able to make huge savings across key areas.</p> <p> The former government's ICT Strategy represents an important milestone in realising the full potential of technology in government. Technology is key to delivering modern public services while at the same time helping the government to reduce the cost of its operations.</p>