Irish Government CIO stresses European Tech Cluster importance
Ireland’s first Government Chief Information Officer, Bill McCluggage, highlighted the positive progress that successful clusters like it@cork are achieving for the economy, specifically when they integrate government, private sector and academia. Mr McCluggage was speaking as he kicked off the Autumn schedule of the European Tech Cluster’s Tech Thursday event in County Hall in Cork.
Mr McCluggage highlighted a range of policies that his department has achieved since taking office 88 days ago. In particular he addressed the issue of eGovernment and the five key principles that are required to drive success ahead of 2015, when the current eGovernment policy document expires.
“The needs of citizens and businesses must be at the centre of government while public bodies should work to ensure that the online channel is the most attractive option for customers,” said Mr McCluggage.
“There is an overwhelming need to reduce the administrative burden for citizens and businesses. Government cannot afford to spend anything that does not solve a problem and have an return on investment. We need to invest in the right things. We have to challenge the status quo.”
Mr McCluggage also highlighted a key responsibility of his role in formulating an information systems strategy that deliver a “step change in citizen experience of public services through ‘Digital First’, a metrics approach to performance which is Dashboard Driven and the development of Government as a platform for use.
With representation at the event from several of the Region’s tech heavyweights, including IBM, Trend Micro, EMC, PCH International, Asystec, VMware, IBM, GxP Systems, Smarttech as well as CIT, UCC and the HSE, Mr McCluggage engaged in an extended Questions and Answers session with the attendees of the Tech Cluster TechThursday, and his strategy and vision was lauded by many participants. With strong representation from Vodafone and Cork City and County Councils and Laya Healthcare, a significant business presence was in attendance at County Hall.
Bill McCluggage became the State’s first CIO in June 2013 and is responsible for the strategic direction of technology right across the public sector. Heralded as an appointment that was vital for the Government’s technology direction, Mr McCluggage faces many challenges and opportunities in his new role.
“We are delighted that we were able to attract a high calibre speaker such as the Chief Information Officer,” said Cian Kennedy of Laya Healthcare, who chairs the Tech Thursday series.
“His appointment bears out the reality that every that every large organisation, including the government of Ireland, needs a strategic plan in how their technology is to develop. There was plenty of engagement from the floor with it@cork, European Tech cluster members keen to seek his advice and put questions to him.”
“The IT industry is vital to Ireland's economic growth, across multiple industries and from small-medium business to large enterprise,” said Denis Collins, Global Leader IBM and Chairman of the Board, European Tech Cluster.
“In support of this, our vision and execution with the European Tech Cluster is driving commercial, academic, social results. Our selection by EU Framework 7 (FP &) as a key cluster for the European Union BeWiser model will further accelerate results. We also have an integrated leadership team across industry, government, public sector, and academia making a difference. On behalf of European Tech Cluster and IBM I am delighted that Mr McCluggage came and we are now discussing strategic ideas regarding Industry and Public Sector. I'm excited and positive about the future."
The next it@cork, European Tech Cluster event for technology experts will take place on Tuesday 1 October with Joe Baguley Chief Technology Officer EMEA, VMware.
Anybody wishing to register for a Tech Thursday event can email Sarah Walsh of it@cork,European Tech Cluster at sarah@itcork.ie.
