EDT has established an innovation programme which centres on the sourcing of innovative IT Products and Solutions which relate to current Government needs. The programmes has led to the establishment of The Key Innovation Centre in Warrington. It’s a ground-breaking initiative to find innovative IT-based products and solutions which support the needs of the public sector and those from companies of all sizes and organisations from the Third Sector.
The Key’s objective is to support SMEs and third sector organisations in marketing their technology-based innovations across government and to encourage public sector decision makers to consider different and innovative technology-based approaches to policy making. A third objective is to address the barriers of skills and knowledge of Government which currently hold SMEs and third sector organisations back from being able to market their services effectively.
The first call is looking to find and showcase products and solutions on the themes of Remote and Mobile Working and Green IT which The Key believes are of current importance to the public sector.
Remote Working has clearly been on the increase in recent years and Government wants to procure the best technology to aid its ability to effectively, efficiently and to securely support this way of working. Remote Working also goes a long way in reducing traffic congestion and frees up the necessity for large public sector office space.
Likewise, The Green Agenda is also on the minds of procurement specialists. A recent, widely quoted report by Gartner highlights that ICT’s contribution to climate change is equal to that of the aviation industry, accounting for 2% of global carbon emissions. The public sector as a major user of IT has a clear responsibility to show leadership and to provide an impetus in this area.
The Key is therefore inviting applications from companies who have suitable innovations in these areas and who want to utilise The Key as a new route into Government.
Deadline for receipt of applications is Friday 1st August 2008. To find out more about The Key and how to apply, please visit www.cio.gov.uk/thekey
