Can new technology make public sector commissioning more accessible? ICA to host compelling conference with keynote speech from shadow chancellor George Osborne, MP.
The view of many innovators, entrepreneurs and small businesses – that national and local government procurement is unattainable – is to be challenged at wt2 (Working Together 2) (www.working2gether.net ), a new style of conference at London’s ICA on March 8, 2007.
Central and local government representatives will join the cream of London’s digital companies to discuss how technological innovations can support public service reform and make it possible for smaller companies to work with government at local and national level.
They will be joined by leading thinkers on the emerging network economy, including Anthony Lilley, MD of Magic Lantern, William Heath, chairman of Kable, and event host Peter Kellner, chairman of YouGov. In a keynote speech, shadow chancellor George Osborne MP will extend his recent thinking on how established organisations can respond to the ‘bottom up’ power of the Internet and discuss the importance of new technologies in public sector transformation.
Also on stage, Mark O’Neill, head of technology for the Department of Media Culture and Sport, will set out contemporary thinking in Whitehall policy circles about how better public procurement processes can harness new ideas.
wt2 is part of a continuing collaboration that has been taking place online and in informal meetings since the breakthrough Working Together event in 2004.
The conference and discussion will offer everyone attending a clear understanding of how the current wave of digital innovation can break down the barriers between co.uk and gov.uk, showcasing specific applications and describing future possibilities for using technology to transform the public sector and open this important market to smaller players.
The day will offer innovators and entrepreneurs an opportunity to meet potential and existing customers in a forum dedicated to the open exchange of ideas, practical demonstrations of working systems and guided conversation about future possibilities.
Those working in local or national government will be able to meet a pivotal collection of developers and providers of specialist products and services, with presentations from suppliers and buyers at the cutting edge of technology enabled enterprise.
According to organiser James Plummer, managing director of event partner, Prospect, and founder of Working Together: “Anyone responsible for spending public money or commissioning projects for local or national government should be there, because the new wave of innovative services will redefine what we understand by public value and completely change the nature of public sector procurement.”
Editor’s Notes
wt2 takes place at the Institute of Contemporary Arts, the Mall, on March 8, 2007. A full programme including profiles of speakers, event partners and sponsors, together with details of the 2004 event, is online at http://www.working2gether.net.
Organiser James Plummer is available for interview.
For further information please contact:
Geetha Naran 0207 439 1919 / 07973 135 729
Email: [email protected]
Site: http://www.working2gether.net
Information on speaker’s organisations and sponsors
YouGov – www.yougov.com
Founded in May 2000, YouGov is a professional market research agency pioneering the use of the Internet and information technology to collect higher-quality in-depth data for market research and public consultation.
Magic Lantern – http://www.magiclantern.co.uk/
Magic Lantern Productions (MLP) sits in the space between traditional and digital media. We produce innovative interactive media, ranging from rich media websites to mobile games, digital video to DVD, right the way through to content and rights management systems. Working with clients and partners in the media, technology and public service sectors, including Channel 4, BBC, BT, Tiscali, the UK Film Council, Skillset and many others; we specialize in understanding the power of broadband networks and emerging digital platforms, for the creation, presentation, distribution and sharing of ideas.
Kable – http://www.kablenet.com
Kable is a leading provider of public sector research, publishing and event services. The company helps suppliers to understand the government market better and to reach public sector decision-makers. Kable also helps public servants to make informed decisions about transformation and technology. Kable is a member of the UK government’s approved services supplier catalogue, S-Cat (now re-branded as part of Catalist). The company was founded in 1990.
Department of Media, Culture and Sport – http://www.culture.gov.uk/
The department of Media, Culture and Sport aims to improve the quality of life for all through cultural and sporting activities, to support the pursuit of excellence and to champion the tourism, creative and leisure industries. The department is responsible for Government policy on the arts, sport, the National Lottery, tourism, libraries, museums and galleries, broadcasting, creative industries including film and music industry, press freedom and regulation, licensing, gambling and the historic environment. The department is also responsible for the 1012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. In May 2005, the Department took over responsibility for fashion design, advertising and the arts market from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and works with the DTI on design issues and on relations with the computer games and publishing industries.
Sponsors include:
Prospect specializes in recruitment for private and public sector information technology positions both permanent and project. With more than 20 years experience, Prospect has worked with clients on a very wide variety of projects and have developed relations with some of the most talented creative, business and technology professionals in the sector. www.prospectmsl.com
Policy Unplugged exists to inject kinetic energy into public policy innovation. www.policyunplugged.org
DTI is responsible for trade, business, employees, consumers, science and energy and one of its goals is to help the UK become a strong, modern, knowledged-based economy. www.dti.gov.uk
NMK provides industry intelligence for the UK’s digital markets and is a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of Westminster. www.nmk.co.uk
PACT is the UK trade association that represents and promotes the commercial interests of independent feature film, television, animation and interactive media companies. www.pact.co.uk
Creative London is the strategic agency for the creative industries in London that works to stimulate the city’s position as one of the most dynamic, successful and diverse centres of creativity in the world. www.creativelondon.org.uk
Digital Public is a consultancy which helps clients communicate effectively with specialist expertise in communications strategy, TV, mobile, broadban, web, magazines and other print media. www.digitalpublic.co.uk