The vision is out - now it's time to deliver on ICT

First released back in October, Project Proteus has now been flung back into the spotlight as deputies delve into exactly what has, or has not, been achieved by it so far.

It was Deputy Matt Fallaize's rule-six questions that exposed really how far things have come – which, on the surface, beyond talking is not very.

The Commerce and Employment board has not formally adopted the strategy and the Policy Council has to decide whether to drive this all forward.

One thing the States is not renowned for is speed.

Ministers are yet to even formally discuss the vision as process and procedure leave it stuck floating in the ether at the moment, albeit that some elements were under way already in other guises.

Clearly Deputy Fallaize believes a formal States report, and then a decision by the Assembly, would give this all impetus.

Deputy Stewart believes he is moving too fast for some of his fellow deputies and by throwing off the shackles and releasing it without formal political endorsement it has acted as a stimulus for debate.

Which it has.

The trouble is that the expectation has been raised for much more than just talks.

The 'States of change' took control in May 2012 and has been beset by the impression that it plans for everything and achieves little.

That may be harsh, but there is a public desire to see things happening.

The Commerce and Employment minister knows that and has tried to deliver it himself, because Proteus is about a future that is now.

'Developing an international reputation as being technologically advanced would undoubtedly attract new business and encourage local entrepreneurs,' he states in the vision.

'Furthermore, it would help to retain existing business. The vision would be key in helping to diversify our economy into ICT/creative sectors over the coming decade'.

His vision is to place Guernsey in the top 10 league of technologically-advanced democracies and be universally recognised as such.

Key to that would be:

A transformation programme to replace FTP with a focus on e-government, developing a programme to deliver States services wherever possible via the internet. Ensure that it invests in internal ICT infrastructure to meet the latest standards.

Harmonise data collection across all departments (including douzaines) to give the States big data to enable better evidence-based decisions and statistical reporting.

As a government take clear leadership of this as an island-wide vision and embark on a large media campaign to communicate the benefits and opportunities.

Naming the vision after a shape-changing sea god from Greek mythology has left it open to ridicule before people even bother to consider whether there is much substance to what it contains.

Some have seized upon it as an easy opportunity to have a pop – but it will not take too much longer for people to decide whether this is Project Pants or not.

Several in industry have welcomed the impetus the vision has given the debate – but there are others who are still waiting to see it have teeth and depth.

Much of the debate recently has been about the process.

It was a somewhat brave decision for a minister to release a personal vision because, rightly or wrongly, the public will elevate it in their minds to much more than it is.

Whether Deputy Stewart likes it or not, for things to move forward now it needs political buy-in. Without that there is no funding, no chance of joined-up government.

There are also no targets, no impetus for action and no accountability. Proteus at the moment is bereft of these things.

Deputy Stewart is absolutely right that the States needs something like the vision he endorses if it is not to be left as a backwater. Just listen to the voices of the children who are working in schools with internet connections that are not enabling education but stopping it.

Listen to those in the industry who will tell you we are failing to produce school leavers with the type of programming skills they need.

ICT is also about social inclusion, being able to access services quickly and easily. And just as crucially it can be a stimulus to the economy, adding much-needed diversification.

But everything needs to marry up – why would a top tech company relocate here when the schools are not producing the skilled workforce needed and the IT infrastructure would not cope with their needs?

Signing off the vision, Deputy Stewart states: 'I am amazed at the innovation and creativity that we already have on the island, but I am concerned in our ability to retain and develop this for the benefit of all.

'I believe we are well placed to become "world class" and become a leader in FinTech (financial services technology) and develop a wider ICT/creative industry base in fairly short order. My concern is if we don't make these changes now, we will, in the future, have to go through a period of forced rapid catch-up which will be far more difficult to manage'.

He has managed to place this on the political agenda. Now it is time for delivery.