Open standards for open government?

On Monday, 30th April 2012 the Policy Exchange think tank is organising an event entitled Open Standards for Open Government? at The Ideas Space, Policy Exchange, 10 Storey’s Gate, Westminster, SW1P 3AY (map).

The UK Government is currently consulting on its open standards policy. Technology standards are important to ensure interoperability; open standards are often cited as ways to promote innovation and avoid vendor lock-in. Open standards supporters cite a whole range of benefits – from saving money to areas as diverse as revitalising the use of ICT in schools, making it easier for public sector bodies to support local businesses, enhancing digital inclusion via low-cost internet access and extending the useful life of hardware (all true! Honest! Ed.).

The event will examine the role of open standards in UK public policy. How much potential is there for open standards to power public sector reform, catalyse competition and contribute to economic growth? If open standards in the public sector are a policy goal, then what will it take to deliver change?

Speakers confirmed to date are:

• Adam Afriyie MP, Chair of the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology and President of the Conservative Technology Forum;
• Gerry Gavigan, Chair of the Open Source Consortium;
• Chris Yiu, Head of the Digital Government Unit at Policy Exchange.

Other speakers have yet to be confirmed.

Further details can be found on the Policy Exchange website and if you’re interested in attending, email events (at) policyexchange.org.uk.