The New Labour manifesto of 1997 set out the party's aspirations
for more than one term. The target set for e-government services to
be available online is 2008. The 2001 manifesto continues to look
to the same date but, as a result of lobbying, has been brought
forward to 2005.
Many of the manifesto's aspirations, though imprecise, are
generally to be welcomed. We read of making the UK the best place
for e-commerce, of aggressive targets for schools and libraries, of
joined-up government, of services being online by 2005 with
immediate targets for 2002 to show progress.
I had the privilege of participating in the Global Forum of the UN,
OECD and World Bank in Naples a few weeks ago. E-government was one
of the main themes. During the presentations and subsequent
discussions, I found myself identifying how the UK is faring in its
adoption of e-government.
As one might expect, the picture is too big and too complex to be
reduced to a simple league table, but what I observed gives some
insights into the UK's ambition when set in an international
context.
Small countries such as Finland, Sweden and Singapore, or states
within larger countries such as Alberta and New South Wales,
impress in their progression. Arguably, devolution in Scotland and
Wales and English regionalisation have the potential to lead to a
similar model for the UK.
The UK's most difficult area seems to be broadband roll out. In
comparison to Korea, for example, the UK looks positively
pedestrian. Most approaches to deployment of broadband seem to
favour cities over rural areas.
When it comes to procurement to and from government the picture is
less clear. Many countries are ahead of the UK in areas such as
smartcards, identity, and transport. On the other hand, in health,
NHS Direct looks strong against most other approaches. Where we
seem to be slower is in the more innovative areas of
telemedicine.
The legislative framework for e-business is complex. Industry
craves a stable regulatory environment but rapid change in
technology seems to render this unattainable. Legislation is likely
to be divisive to some degree and while some have castigated IR35
and the RIP Act as being anti-business, the Electronic
Communications Act is unusual in having enjoyed more favourable
comment.
When the time comes, spin doctors will try to prove that we have
achieved the 2005 target, but first there are a number of real
challenges we have to face.
- We need a more aggressive stance on universal broadband roll
out if we are to match the best in the world. The lack of broadband
achievement is an impediment to competitive progress. Even the most
talented driver will fail to win a grand prix if provided with a
Ford Fiesta.
- Second, a single interface is required between business and
government. Issues such as IR35 and RIP could be better handled if
joined-upness was consistently the norm. There is a sense of one
arm of government pulling against another.
- Third, we need clearer guidance on public procurement. This is
not a plea for centralisation or decentralisation, but a request
for the right things to be procured nationally, regionally or
locally - a purchasing version of subsidiarity. Largely, I argue
for national procurement of infrastructures, regional procurement
of strategic planning and local procurement of services.
- Fourth, a firmer grasp on closing the skills gap in the IT
sector is essential. In the UK, we have put a lot of energy into
high-end and basic skills, but rather less in between. Our key
shortage lies in the intermediate skills sector.
- Finally, increased capital expenditure on public services needs
to be coupled to investment in culture change within the public
service. I have a well-formed suspicion that public service staff
all too often act to emasculate the effects of otherwise
well-intentioned investment. It is not equipment that changes the
world but people.
None of these are trivial or without risk. We have to convert
aspiration into achievement. If we are to meet the 2005 targets
then, as the prime minister might say, "There is much to be
done."
Chris Yapp
Chris Yapp is an ICL fellow and director
of the Internet Society of England