Apr
28
It’s not about the plumbing!
Filed Under Digital Engagement, Innovation
Very soon the government will be producing its full ‘Digital Britain‘ report - its aim to help the UK be at the forefront of the global digital economy — “At a minimum this report seeks to bring both focus and stimulus to this sector”.
In January it produced the interim, which while helpful seemed mainly concerned with technical infrastructure and broadband speeds. Yes, there was talk of Britain’s world-class game designers, content providers and new media innovators — but in comparison to all the ‘pipe talk’ it was all quite woolly and vague — almost as if they didn’t quite understand what they were talking about. Quite scary!
To concentrate on infrastructure is about as much use as a trying to generate a housing boom by focussing on the productivity of brick manufacturers. Yes we can alway use more bandwidth, but that battle is almost won with UK connectivity having been transformed over the last five years. And with clever technology we are increasingly able to do more with less.
This report, especially in these difficult times, should be honing in on how to further support British innovation to build world class competitive digital business in new media, TV, music, and advertising - the creative industries.
Anthony Lilley who as Chair of the UK digital content forum puts it bluntly: “Should we be the most innovative nation, should we be creating the most saleable content and services, or do we just want nice pipes?”
This issue is vital for the public sector also. With the huge cuts in spending expected over the next few years, digital innovation is one obvious route to driving costs down and creating spectacular gains in reach, productivity, engagement and democratic participation.
More hopefully, the Communications, Technology and Broadcast Minister Lord Stephen Carter who authored the interim says that the full report will contain much more balance. Let us hope so, this is a vital publication that should not be allowed to become a damp squib.
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