Appraising the impact and role of platform models and Government as a Platform (GaaP) in UK Government public service reform: towards a Platform Assessment Framework (PAF)

The concept of “Government as a Platform” (GaaP) (O'Reilly, 2009) is coined frequently, but interpreted inconsistently: views of GaaP as being solely about technology and the building of technical components ignore GaaP's radical and disruptive embrace of a new economic and organisational model with the potential to improve the way Government operates – helping resolve the binary political debate about centralised versus localised models of public service delivery. We offer a structured approach to the application of the platforms that underpin GaaP, encompassing not only their technical architecture, but also the other essential aspects of market dynamics and organisational form. Based on a review of information systems platforms literature, we develop a Platform Appraisal Framework (PAF) incorporating the various dimensions that characterise business models based on digital platforms. We propose this PAF as a general contribution to the strategy and audit of platform initiatives and more specifically as an assessment framework to provide consistency of thinking in GaaP initiatives. We demonstrate the utility of our PAF by applying it to UK Government platform initiatives over two distinct periods, 1999–2010 and 2010 to the present day, drawing practical conclusions concerning implementation of platforms within the unique and complex environment of the public sector.Non

Quantifying climate risk and building resilience in the UK

This is the final version. Available on open access from Springer via the DOI in this record. Co-production brought clear benefits to a range of projects across the UK Climate Resilience Programme (UKCR). Experiences were deeply context specific; dependent on those involved, their motivations and expectations. A range of barriers currently exist to achieving the benefits of co-production more fully. Skills associated with using co-productive approaches need to be developed, taught and mentored in the research community.Natural Environment Research Council (NERC

London streets

Map-based app by VoeTek

Interactive palimpsests

This paper discusses the development of a prototype human-computer interaction (HCI) environment for the user-led exploration of time and place. It draws on earlier research to develop user interaction techniques using Kinect for Windows and the Kinect SDK. Two specific visual techniques are applied - a lens and a slider - for gesture-based manipulation of content, supported by aural commands that facilitate simplified switching between techniques. Code samples are included to illustrate the development and realisation of the techniques and their reapplication using Kinect

A tale of two countries: the digital disruption of government

To understand the gap between political aspiration and reality – and, more importantly, how it can begin to be fixed – we explore the experience of two Parliamentary-system governments and their attempts to use technology to reform and modernise their services since the 1990s. The United Kingdom and Australia offer interesting insights into administrations that have long seen the opportunity to be seized, but which have repeatedly struggled to deliver the scale of improvement required in the way their public services are designed, operated and maintained

Digitizing Government

Digitizing Government provides practical advice for understanding and implementing digital transformation to increase business value and improve client engagement

Palimpsests of time and place

This paper discusses ongoing research into the development of an original composition portfolio themed on the concept of palimpsests of time and place. The research involves the application of an iterative development methodology to refine creative computer-based techniques for the exploration and navigation of multi-dimensional aural and visual content operating within three-dimensional Cartesian space. Various computational functions for utilising a web browser-based system, oriented around a conceptual n-tier layer model, are being developed and refined. Visualisation computational processes related to images (still and moving) of the same place (such as a building) or other artefact (such as a map) over time utilise both authentic and synthetic content. Auralisation computational processes include authentic and synthetic impulse responses (the acquisition of the acoustic characteristics of particular spatial environments) and convolution reverb (recreating the acoustic reverberation characteristics of a physical or synthetic space based on an associated impulse response). The research is applying an iterative theory-composition-testing cycle to optimise intuitive computer-based processes for enabling users to navigate multiple layers of content, as well as in finding methods that evoke an increased emotional awareness of, and connection with, the past of place over time. Consequently an integral component of the research methodology involves the emergent computational techniques being subjected to formalised usability testing both to assist with their further refinement and to assess their value in evoking an increased awareness of time and place

Digitizing government: understanding and implementing new digital business models

For businesses large and small, investment in digital technologies is now a priority essential for success. This book provides practical advice for understanding and implementing digital transformation to increase business value and improve client engagement. This book is organized into "why", "what", and "how" sections and examines the major elements of digital transformation, with clear steps for improved execution of digital strategies. It features case studies from the private and public sectors, and a detailed chronology of digital change efforts across the UK government sector, and relates that to government efforts in the USA and around the world. It provides a practical and unique set of insights into business in the digital economy