UNITED STATES
The US Government is investigating ways that private sector technology experts can be injected into the Public Service through a system of regular “tours of duty”.
Representatives of some of the nation’s biggest technology companies and digital shops within Government gathered at the White House to explore possible options and policies for carving out time for their employees to help the Government with its tech challenges.
The organisations included Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, Adobe, IBM, the Internet Association, the Information Technology Industry Council and the Business Software Alliance.
Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Coordination at the White House, Chris Liddell (pictured) said the country benefited when patriotic citizens with technical expertise chose to serve at the Federal, State or Local Government level.
“This event brings together technology stakeholders to explore ways for more people to take a civic tour of duty,” Mr Liddell said.
Some private sector attendees immediately made commitments following the meeting.
The Business Software Alliance — whose member companies include Adobe, Apple, IBM, Microsoft, and Oracle, among others — said it would promote Public Service work and facilitate Public Service leave from its members.
Vice-President of the Alliance, Craig Albright said the relationship could be mutually beneficial.
“For private sector employees, they might be able to go into Government, get some experience in project management, deliver a solution, and that might give them more opportunities to do more significant project management than if they stayed in the company,” Mr Albright said.
Washington, DC, 24 October 2018
