Government as a Service with Megan Smith and Alexander Macgillivray | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

The government is working towards harnessing the power of data, innovation, and technology to improve governance and service delivery. There are ongoing projects related to tech policy, cybersecurity, open sourcing software, and improving diversity in government.

Key Insights

• ✊ The government is focused on harnessing the power of data, innovation, and technology to improve governance and service delivery.
• 🧑‍💻 Collaboration between the government and the tech industry is crucial in finding solutions to complex challenges, such as encryption and cybersecurity.
• 🙈 Diversity and inclusion are seen as important for prosperity, and efforts are being made to improve diversity in both government and the tech industry.
• 🤗 Open data, transparency, and citizen engagement are seen as critical for improving governance and service delivery.
• 🪡 There is a need for more cybersecurity professionals and diverse perspectives in tackling cybersecurity challenges.
• 💦 The government is working towards making technology more accessible, improving education, and promoting computer science literacy for all Americans.
• 😒 Progress has been made towards improving transparency and accountability in areas like police data and use of force.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: What is the role of the CTO office in the government?

The CTO office is responsible for harnessing the power of data, innovation, and technology on behalf of the American people. They work on tech policy, modernizing government, and solving complex problems.

Q: What projects are the government rushing to finish before the current administration leaves?

The government is working on projects related to cybersecurity, tackling inequality, artificial intelligence, and implementing the federal source code policy to open source software. Some projects will be left for the next administration to continue.

Q: Is there a risk of the projects being undone by a future administration?

The government believes that many of the projects, especially those related to improving efficiency and service delivery, are bipartisan and will continue regardless of the administration change. There is confidence in the progress made so far.

Q: What did the government learn from the Office of Personnel Management hack?

The hack highlighted the growing cybersecurity challenges faced by the government and other sectors. The government has taken steps to improve cybersecurity, including the proposed creation of a revolving fund and the need for more cybersecurity professionals.

Q: How do the government and the tech industry balance free speech with promoting diversity and combating harassment?

It is a complex and challenging issue. The government is working towards finding solutions through collaboration with the tech industry. Diversity and inclusion are seen as important for prosperity and progress, and efforts are being made to change systems and address unconscious bias.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The government's Chief Technology Officer (CTO) discusses the broad mandate of harnessing data, innovation, and technology to serve the American people.

• Projects include tech policy, modernizing government, and solving complex problems.

• The government is encouraging more people to join and contribute to the beginning of digital government.