Building Political Support for Digital Government (with Senator Colin Deacon)

Let's Think Digital

We want government to be innovative and not be left behind in the digital revolution. But this comes up against the reality of the structures, incentives, and culture of most public sector organizations that resist change. As a result, and as we’ve been talking about on this podcast, our efforts to push forward digital transformation and modernize the business of government seems to be stuck in the mud as of late. So for the dedicated community of those in and adjacent to the public service who believe in the potential of doing things in a different way, it can at times feel a bit lonely.

As someone who has worked both in the political system and the public service, I know how important clear political leadership is to support these efforts. The good news is that there are those in positions of power and influence who also believe in this vision of modern government.

Our guest this week is one of them.

Senator Colin Deacon is an independent Senator for Nova Scotia, appointed in June 2018. He’s made Digital Government one of his focus areas in the Senate and is one of the founders and co-chairs of the Caucus Group on Emerging Technology, a multi-party initiative to help Parliamentarians better understand how technology is impacting policy issues. He is a strong advocate for working across party-lines, and with entrepreneurs, researchers and social innovators to build a more innovative digital economy in Canada.

Watch on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZGr0lZ0asY

Related Links

• About the Diia App in Ukraine (Wikipedia)
• Parliamentary Budget Office Report: Overview of the Government’s Digital Service Transformation
• Parliamentary Caucus on Emerging Technology
• Senator Colin Deacon's Website

Chapters

00:05 Introduction

03:06 Interview with Senator Colin Deacon

05:23 The Challenges of Implementing Digital Changes in Government

10:41 The Need for Modernizing Government Operations

23:40 International Examples of Digital Transformation: Ukraine

25:35 The Importance of Leadership in Digital Transformation

25:52 Rethinking Procurement for Digital Solutions

35:15 The Emerging Technology Caucus Group

41:02 Closing Remarks