Draft strategic vision for the Australian government's use of ICT

• Department of Finance and Deregulation

Read the full text

Image: opensourceway / flickr

21 April 2011ICT will continue to transform government business and services to meet people's expectations for better services, and to create a more open Government. Research points to the important role that ICT plays in driving productivity. ICT capital investment has contributed 17.5% of the total Australian productivity improvements since 19851 - it therefore warrants our close attention.

The Government’s use of ICT is largely agency focussed. The ICT Reform Program and coordinated ICT procurement arrangements have achieved greater integration, cooperation, and transparency. However, more visibility of the ICT design and investment intentions between government agencies is desirable. Decisions to acquire or upgrade ICT systems should consider the broader implications for government, people and business.

Rapid changes in the technology landscape continue, including the increasing use by business of technology developed for personal use, social media, mobile services, broadband and cloud computing. These changes can profoundly influence government and industry choices for ICT investment and how services can be delivered. The Government needs to balance the potential gains from innovation in ICT with the need to provide stable and reliable operations and services.

Image: opensourceway / flickr