Conclusion
169. Government IT does not have a happy history.
The last 10 years have seen several failed attempts at reform.
The current Government seems determined to succeed where others
have failed and we are greatly encouraged by its progress to date.
170. Numerous challenges remain and fundamentally
transforming how Government uses IT will require departments to
engage more directly with innovative firms, to integrate technology
into policy-making and reform how they develop their systems.
The fundamental requirement is that Government needs the right
skills, knowledge and capacity in-house to deliver these changes.
Without the ability to engage with IT suppliers as an intelligent
customer - able to secure the most efficient deal and benchmark
its costs - and to understand the role technology can play in
the delivery of public services, Government is doomed to repeat
the mistakes of the past.
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