FWD50 2018 alum, Natalie Evans Harris, releases report on Sharing Data for Social Impact.

“Unlocking the potential of data to help solve social problems requires a robust framework for data governance and data sharing. A framework can address major points of risk and ambiguity that prevent many actors from engaging in meaningful data sharing, and better data sharing and data governance will in turn lead to improved social service …

Is blockchain the key to better public/private cooperation?

By PRYSM Group As we enter this new decade, we can’t turn away from the idea that some of the great challenges facing our society today may only be solved by enabling better public/private cooperation. From climate change to disease outbreak, governments and private companies should be able to work closely to share data and …

The unique challenges of regional digital government

For the first time, we’re running a Regional Digital Government Summit as part of FWD50. It’s chaired by Hillary Hartley (Ontario’s Chief Digital Officer), Catherine Desgagnés-Belzil (Secrétaire adjointe à la transformation numérique et Responsable du Centre Québécois de l’Excellence Numérique(CQEN)), and Nikhil Deshpande (Chief Digital Officer, State of Georgia.) Aimed at public sector audiences, it’ll bring together dozens of municipal, provincial, and state-level …

What’s happening during Digital Government week in Ottawa?

When we launched FWD50, we had a few clear rules: No expo hall. The conference isn’t a tradeshow; our partners believe that a rising tide lifts all boats, and brings great content—and if they don’t, the audience can go elsewhere during the event. Nonpartisan. Our allegiance is to society as a whole; the “FWD” in …

A focus on culture and transformation at FWD50 2019

One of the most striking and consistent pieces of feedback from our 2019 content survey was this: We’ve drunk the Kool-Aid. Many people tasked with IT transformation are already true believers. They want to know how to manage digital innovation, and what to avoid to maximize success. And while technology training is useful, digital transformation is more than tools — …

Cloud computing deep-dives at FWD50 2019

Fifteen years ago, the term “cloud computing” was on the front page of every tech magazine. For that matter, fifteen years ago, we had tech magazines. Today, the term has almost lost its meaning in many IT conversations. We don’t say, “cloud storage”; we say “storage,” and assume on-demand, third-party-operated computing systems are part of that strategy. …