Good intentions
In a speech apparently designed to set the scene for this week's budget, Prime Minister Gordon Brown has spoken on the topic of ‘building Britain's digital future'.
"I want Britain to be the world leader in the digital economy which will create over a quarter of a million skilled jobs by 2020," said Brown. While he added little substance to that worthy aim, Brown did unveil - surprise, surprise - a new bureaucracy. This one is called The Institute of Web Science, will be headed-up by the inventor of the Internet - Tim Berners-Lee - and will require 30 million more pounds we don't have.
Brown announced three steps towards achieving this digital pre-eminence in ten years' time. The first is creating 100 percent superfast broadband access in the UK. The second is opening up the state on the web, which will apparently create £11 billion in operational efficiencies, which constitute the third pillar of Brown's cunning plan.
"Superfast broadband is the electricity of the digital age," said Brown. "And I believe it must be for all - not just for some."
Brown also detailed a couple of initiatives to exemplify this new, web-savvy style of governing. Mygov will be a huge new government portal, designed to be customised and make it easier for individuals to interact with the state. The PM is also launching an iPhone app today, that will deliver content from the Number10 website straight to the smartphone. It's free, in case you were wondering.
UPDATE - 17:00, 22 March 2010 - We've just received this statement from the director for public services and skills, Susan Anderson:
Next-generation broadband has great potential in both the private and state sectors. We welcome the Government's commitment to stimulating demand for it by providing state-run services over the internet.
Innovations such as online consultations with GPs and teaching via the internet could help deliver better-quality services for consumers, and save the taxpayer money.
However, we are concerned that the Government's intention to create state-owned ‘business service companies' could actually backfire by preventing commercial companies from competing for contracts. It would be better to create a level playing field to encourage competition and efficiency.
