Scottish govt ICT 'lags private sector'

procurement is poor and there is insufficient sharing of technology, reports Guardian.co.uk.

A review of the 'ICT Infrastructure of the Public Sector in Scotland' authored by John McClelland, chairman of the Scottish Funding Council, says the gap between the public and private sectors is sometimes a result of late adoption of ICT, or because technology has been overtaken by new developments.

McClelland says spending on ICT could be reduced by implementing changes in ICT management, structures and strategy. These savings could be partially reinvested in a faster adoption of technology.

According to Business Scotsman, McClelland explains that sharing a computer system for all public sector organisations could also bring about operational savings over-and-above £1 billion.

The review found that the public sector in Scotland spent at least £1.4 billion on ICT in 2009, 60% of which went to industry.

McClelland notes: “The public sector should recognise that, in the current economic environment, a largely standalone and self-sufficient operating model is no longer affordable and should commit to an era of sharing in ICT that will not only offer better value but also still meet the needs of individual organisations and their customers.”

Supply Management.com says the report recommends a five-year ICT strategy developed for each separate part of the public sector, which would move from local self-sufficiency to sharing within each sector.

Finance secretary John Swinney says he would consider the reviews findings: “It is clear there must be more effective engagement with the ICT industry, and a much clearer focus on breaking down organisational barriers to deliver better public services that focus on users, while getting the best value for money.”