Spider’s Campbell on Scottish Government's digital strategy
Following the Scottish Government’s announcement that it is to invest £1.5 million in digital accessibility throughout the country, one digital agency boss believes that yet more must be done to improve online access north of the border.
John Campbell, managing director of Spider Online, said that the Scottish Government’s strategy of investment was “a good step” but added that there are two main areas it should focus on to meet its objectives.
“Accessibility and applications (and I don't just mean let's develop an iPhone app for that!). These need to work hand-in-hand - one will not work without the other”, explained Campbell.
“I see accessibility as continuing to improve the public/citizens access to public services via our broadband and mobile networks along with new platforms such as web TV (Youview, etc.) These are going to be the platforms that our infrastructure need to built on for our country to prosper.
”In addition to that are what I would call applications (not just iPhone apps) - be it public notices or jobs via Tell Me Scotland or my job scotland, or access to other services (for information and payment)such as appointments with local health services, libraries, travel (bus, rail and integrated), housing benefit and council tax services. These can both same money and time as well as improve services and offer more transparency between local and national government and their communities. From these basic services other functionality and applications will develop."
Culture minister Fiona Hyslop yesterday revealed plans to spend £1.5 million on growing digital participation throughout Scotland, with digital participation, online public services and widespread next generation broadband will be at the forefront of the Governments digital economy plans.
Hyslop explained: "The digital age offers many opportunities for all of Scotland to grow and prosper. The Scottish Government's Digital Strategy makes clear our commitment to do all we can to take advantage of emerging technologies for the benefit of the whole country.”