5 October

All times provided are local (Ottawa, EST)

Wednesday 5 October

18:00 – 19:00

Welcome reception

Welcome

Wednesday 5 October

19:00 – 19:30

Welcome and introductions

Host: Catherine Luelo – Chief Information Officer, Government of Canada

Wednesday 5 October

19:30 – 21:30

Digital strategies with impact

Many governments have similar ambitions for their digital capabilities – but a digital strategy is only as effective as its delivery plan, and too many skirt around the complexities of implementation. To drive change, strategies must detail not only the goals to be achieved, but also who’s responsible for delivery and how they’ll be funded, empowered, supported, and held accountable. This session will consider the key requirements of effective delivery, covering topics such as resource allocation, performance metrics, incentives and the role of the centre.

Including presentations and discussion

Discussions take place over dinner and the session ends at 21:30

6 October

Thursday 6 October 

09:00 – 10:30

Digital ID: the essential building block

When public bodies share a single digital ID verification and log-in system, citizens enjoy easier access to public services, while providers can more easily coordinate service delivery, share data and cut costs. Indeed, a digital divide is emerging – with countries operating such a system tending to achieve more rapid and widespread transformation than those without. Drawing on GGF’s Digital Leaders research and recognising nations’ very different starting points and operating environments, this session will explore how civil service leaders can best design, develop and introduce digital ID systems.

Including presentations and discussion

Session followed by refreshment break

Thursday 6 October 

11:00 – 12:30

Creating and transforming interdepartmental services

To realise many of the opportunities around digital technologies, public bodies must work together closely on project management – developing new cross-departmental systems, exchanging data and sharing the work of service delivery. But in many countries, vertical systems of funding, governance and accountability present barriers to those developing interdepartmental programs. Focusing on strategic and leadership issues such as joint project oversight, resourcing models, stakeholder management and the role of elected leaders, this session will examine the skills, systems and techniques required to make a success of cross-departmental projects.

Including presentations and discussion

Session followed by networking lunch

Thursday 6 October 

13:30 – 15:00

Developing the digital workforce

Governments’ digital workforces have developed rapidly over the last decade, but their ambitions on digital transformation are growing even faster – and many are struggling to compete against private sector employers in tight jobs markets. This session will consider how civil services can best develop their digital capabilities, focusing on two key issues identified in Global Government Forum’s Digital Leaders research programme: the strengthening of cross-government workforce management and talent development; and the recruitment and retention of senior digital leaders.

Including presentations and discussion

Session followed by refreshment break

Thursday 6 October 

15:30-17:00

Escaping the legacy trap

Today’s digital technologies can radically transform service delivery – but few countries are starting from a blank slate, and many find their options limited by legacy IT systems. Replacing these outdated technologies is a complex and expensive task, with risks around service continuity; but meanwhile, the maintenance costs, security vulnerabilities and service delivery constraints of ageing legacy systems continue to grow. In this session, digital leaders will consider how to secure the funding, build the capabilities and secure the support required to successfully replace legacy systems.

Including presentations and discussion

Thursday 6 October 

17:00-17:15

Summary and thanks

Summit concludes 17:15