Optimizing Online Government in Canada

Abstract

Online technologies are changing rapidly, and internet users are coming to expect personalized and high-quality online services. Citizens are coming to expect higher-quality online services from their governments, presenting a challenge to public service departments who historically have not adopted new technologies quickly. Fortunately, developments in the open source and open data fields provide an opportunity for governments to jumpstart online innovation efforts. This paper explores several strategies for doing so, and details the recent success of GOV.UK, a UK project at the forefront of online government innovation. These changes in approach to software development and procurement – and corresponding changes in culture and recruitment – are framed in the context of the Canadian federal public service’s modernization effort, Blueprint 2020.