A route out of the darkness

Not a day goes by without our embattled economy taking another hit from the global financial crisis. Among politicians, not least President Obama in a recent address to Congress, talk is of economic war.

But it was Obama’s speech, exuding a sense of togetherness in the face of adversity, which got me thinking about Lord Kitchener’s famous rallying cry: “Your country needs you.” We are in a battle that has left some areas of our economy extremely discomforted, while others are fighting for their very existence. But I believe the IT industry and its innovative technologies can become the engine for growth for a UK coming out of the recession. We are almost uniquely capable of catalysing activity in the rest of the economy.

We are fortunate that our industry has not been as badly damaged as others. Of course, many Intellect members are feeling the pinch, but for the most part we are in better shape than others. And that is important ­ – catalysts need to be in good condition to work effectively.

We now need to convey this message to government and opposition at a time when they are more open to advice than they have ever been. So with the image of Lord Kitchener in my mind, I share with you three areas where the IT sector can help our country.

The ability of technology to drive economic growth is getting increasing exposure, but other industries are ahead of the game. The construction sector, for instance, is already compiling a list of 10 big infrastructure projects, worth £25bn, to boost the sector and the economy. We need to make the case that in the 21st century, digital infrastructure is as important as roads and railways.

In the US, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation think-tank produced two papers, specifically focusing on investment in smart grid, next-generation broadband, and electronic patient records, which detail the economic benefits of government investing in technology. The papers identify a clear correlation between
investment and an economic boost through increased productivity, efficiencies, job creation, capital expenditure and knock-on innovation.

The technologies and services that our sector provides enable all areas of business to adapt, streamline or revolutionise their processes.

Technology is already playing a major role in the transformation of public services, and some have questioned whether the government will reduce funding. But the government has to keep modernising public services. Given the recession we are facing, it is even more important that citizens have easy access to the information and services the state provides to help them. The transformational government agenda continues to provide better health, education and security. There is no doubt that the modernisation of public services will continue to improve the lives of citizens and offer more engagement with the state when they need it the most.

With such a strong focus on economic matters, it is easy to forget about the fight against climate change. But the economy and climate change are by no means decoupled. Technology can have an immediate and positive impact on reducing carbon emissions. We must persuade government to make the right decisions in this area. Intellect will be in close conversation with government as it develops its low-carbon and emissions strategies.

Just as the Blitz mentality saw Londoners through their darkest hours, as director general of Intellect, I want to harness this sense of togetherness and promote a positive agenda that will see our industry as a driver for economic growth out of the recession, and out of the darkness.

John Higgins is director general of Intellect, the trade association for the UK IT industry. Read the blog at http://intellect.computing.co.uk