ENABLING DIGITAL IRELAND

ENABLING DIGITAL IRELAND

Over the last several months Microsoft and the Office of the Government CIO, with significant input from The Fletcher School at Tufts University, have developed a joint Summary Report which assesses Ireland’s digital progress and provides recommendations for the country to achieve its ambition of becoming a leading digital nation.

The news is good! According to Fletcher’s benchmark, Ireland ranks 16^th in its digital evolution, alongside other leading nations such as the Netherlands, New Zealand, Japan, and Germany.

In addition to the benchmark exercise, we also worked together to develop a proof-of-concept that demonstrates the use of secure cloud-based technologies for data interchange between government departments and citizens. The results have been impressive and should help government provide exemplary services to citizens.

Nevertheless, there is more work yet to be done. Some key challenges for Ireland relate to the adoption of the best available technologies. These include the implementation of cloud-based solutions to deliver security, scalability, and reliability in public services. Such an approach will allow Ireland to deliver on its goal of digital-first systems that facilitate efficient, standardised, consolidated ICT operations right across government.

In summary, Ireland finds itself well-positioned and ready to build on its strengths. We have progressed well and now is the time to maintain the momentum.

Kieran McCorry
National Technology Officer, Microsoft Ireland.