At the inaugural Future of Technology conference, MEC for Finance in Gauteng, Barbara Creecy, discussed how the provincial government is investing in innovation and technology.
MEC for Finance in Gauteng, Barbara Creecy, discussed the future of technology within the government and the e-government services at the inaugural Future of Technology conference.
Creecy added that those involved in the tech industry have a greater opportunity than ever before to help grow the economy and create jobs.
She said that Premier of Gauteng, David Makhura understands the importance of technological innovation and has given a considerable amount of attention to forming partnerships with five universities in Gauteng, creating innovation hubs and setting up the department of e-government, which Creecy is the head of.
“Our goal is to create a ‘smart’ province so we are investing, as the provincial government, in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure and, more importantly, e-government services. We are conscious that the changing role of technology in our society changes the way in which citizens want to receive and access services.”
She added that improving technology would provide better access to services, improve efficiency and develop transparency of government.
The Gauteng provincial government is developing an integrated and consolidated platform, which will allow for data to be shared among departments.
At an Innovation and Technology conference hosted by the provincial government earlier this year, it was decided that an innovation forum would be essential to build an innovation ecosystem consisting of government, higher education and the private sector, among others.
“We have already drafted the terms of reference for this innovation forum and it’s currently before the provincial government for approval,” said Creecy, who added that there needs to be more investment from the private sector, particularly in The Innovation Hub and the Tshimologong Precinct, both of which are platforms to develop technology. She added that start-up IT companies – particularly in township areas – are very important for not only creating a digital economy but in creating jobs.
“The department of e-government, in partnership with the Tshimologong Precinct, has established a design and validation centre in order to promote innovation for the delivery of government services. This centre is also available to the private sector and township entrepreneurs.”
As the technology improves, the security needs to improve with it, so provincial government had developed a cybersecurity policy and strategy and a variety of protection and prevention tools to combat cyber threats.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Laura Pisanello
Quelle/Source: Sandton Chronicle, 21.05.2018
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