Why I started this conversation
In 2003, when spending on IT solutions was probably at its lowest, particularly from companies in whose hiring needs Prospect specialises, i.e early stage enterprises, I kept hearing speeches about the potential of technology to transform the citizen's experience of public services.
Given that public sector spending accounts for c40% of GDP, employs a very large number of people, and sums for procurement like £6bn on local government IT and another £6bn on health service IT, were being promised. It seemed as if this sector had great potential for the very many bright, innovative and entrepreneurial types who (post First Tuesday, etc) were searching for opportunities.
3 years later, much has been achieved, but my impression is that although the opportunity has not diminished (indeed it could be argued that it has in fact grown) many of the opportunities glimpsed have not been fulfilled, particularly by UK based SMEs.
Ironically, these small companies sometimes have the most to offer, and certainly in respect of innovation, they often lead worldwide. As suppliers, multinationals still dominate and public sector decision makers and technology heads still prefer to do business with large 'safe' companies. As a consequence, the public sector is still a very difficult and often slow place to implement new technologies, bring about change and do business for small companies.
Maybe I am being optimistic, but the profusion of technology based services that are available to consumers (iTV, mobile phones, web services,PDA's, etc)are not being matched by those available to citizens and this presents an enormous opportunity. In the last year, investment has picked up and there is even talk of a second dotcom boom, with lots of small entrepreneurial and innovative companies getting funded. Indeed, many of these services and technologies could find application in the public sector, if a business case could be made.
This 'conversation' and event, following on from Working Together in 2004, is about stimulating the dialogue and sharing ideas and experiences on both sides of the fence- buyers and sellers. It is about the potential for transforming the public services through the use of technology and as well as attracting the leading 'stakeholders', aims also to involve users, strategists, etc.
So far, the response to the WT2 concept has been very positive, with contributions from all sides. Now that the 'online' conversation has started, I hope as many people as possible will contribute, whether to agree or disagree, but in any event to stimulate a healthy debate.
The purpose of this site and the event itself is to share knowledge and experiences and capitalise on this compelling opportunity. Our aim has to be about looking forward and showing the potential that could be realised. I am sure that we can do that.
