Call for Evidence

Following the general election, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) announced plans to become the “digital centre of government”. It was also confirmed that the Government Digital Service, Central Digital and Data Office and Incubator for Artificial Intelligence would move from the Cabinet Office into DSIT, to “unite efforts in the digital transformation of public services under one department”.

Since the election DSIT has undertaken three reviews to inform this work, examining the digital centre’s “scope, strategy and structure”, digital capability across government, and an AI Opportunities Action Plan. It has also confirmed that the digital centre will be known as the Government Digital Service.The Science, Innovation and Technology Committee is launching an inquiry to suggest priorities for the digital centre, scrutinise DSIT’s planned approach to implementation, and identify opportunities and challenges.

The Committee welcomes written submissions on some or all of the following points by 23:59 on Monday 3 March.

1. What benefits will a digital centre offer citizens?

• What benefits will a digital centre deliver to the UK economy?
• How effectively has the vision for a digital centre been communicated?

2. What should be the priorities for the digital centre of government?

• Are there any areas of the public sector that are particularly suited to or in need of digital transformation?
• Has DSIT identified the right areas of public services with its initial five ‘kickstarter’ tests and products?
• How should DSIT measure and evaluate the success of thedigital centre?

3. What lessons are there for DSIT as it establishes the digital centre?

• Are there any case studies that the committee should consider as part of its inquiry?
• What lessons do previous and contemporary digital transformation initiatives offer for the digital centre?
• What can the UK learn from other countries’ efforts?

4. What assessment can be made of DSIT’s work on establishing the digital centre to date?

• What technical and policy expertise does DSIT need to deliverthe digital centre?
• Are the technological solutions required for the digital centre already used by government and other public bodies? If not, are they available or in development?
• How should DSIT and other public bodies leverage reforms to public procurement to deliver and operate the digital centre?

5. What are the barriers to successfully establishing a digital centre of government?

• How can DSIT address these barriers?
• What infrastructure and regulation is required to make the government “more digital”?

In addition, the committee welcomes submissions on the following points:

• What impact will the Data (Use and Access) Bill have on efforts to establish DSIT as the digital centre of government?
• How should the National Data Library proposed by the government be taken forward?
• How should the digital centre be delivered in a way that ensures equitable access to public services?