Mobile technologies are already being used widely across the public sector in many countries. Mobile applications provide a key opportunity to enhance the delivery of services to citizen, by relieving administrative burden and streamlining operations, driving progress, cost, economic and fuel savings, reducing carbon emissions and contributing to the achievement of green objectives. Singapore and Canada have been early adopters, and the UK is next.

Indeed the UK government intends on innovating and improving its ICT systems to ensure that they are as effective and efficient as possible for those working in the public sector delivering services to citizen. So there are growing opportunities for local NI companies to develop mobile apps or offer mobile software solutions to government departments and we want to take stock of the situation.

We have therefore selected a panel of national & local experts in the m-gov subject who will highlight where  opportunities are for you, in an interactive panel discussion where you will have the chance to ask questions.

• Prof. Ibrahim Kushchu, Director Mobile Government Consortium International (University of Sussex)

• Ken Eastwood, Assistant Director, Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, and National Lead, Public Sector Nomads (UK)
  

• David Moody, VP Solutions, Kana Software (ex-Lagan) (Belfast)

• Ciaran McClintock, Bus. Dev. Mgr., Consilium Technologies (Antrim)

• John Daly, Head of TDA - Technical Design Authority - NI Civil Service (DFPNI)
  

As always, please do register, seats are free but limited in number.

Please note that talks will start earlier than usual at 5:45pm on the dot, though you'll have plenty of time for networking between 6:45pm and 8pm.

Numerous examples of cutting edge uses of mobile technology already exist and are well established. Information sharing, interactive digital television services that enable the delivery of services remotely, alerts and advice sent by mobile phone, enhancement of virtual networks and environments, increased penetration of thin client services, access to real-time information are all utilised in a variety of public service settings including NHS, police and local authorities. But more can and must be achieved. Dedicated programmes committed to enhancing mobile capability already exists in key areas of police and health.

Utilising the opportunities presented by mobile ICT must become a key priority for the whole of the public sector. The UK government is committed to putting the public’s needs first and intends on innovating and revolutionising their ICT systems to ensure that they are as effective and efficient as possible for those working in the public sector, and at the same time they are able to make huge savings across key areas.

The former UK government's ICT Strategy represents an important milestone in realising the full potential of technology in government. Technology is key to delivering modern public services while at the same time helping the government to reduce the cost of its operations.