Corona Crisis Proves IT Must be Core Business for Government Too

The Dutch GGD (Public Health Department) and the RIVM (the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment) have been widely criticised for the lateness and inaccuracy and of corona statistics: the numbers of reported infections, hospital admissions and deaths have frequently been incorrect, delayed or unreliable due to system malfunctions. But, how can that be? Surely the registration system was set up specifically for pandemics?

It’s fine to criticise, but let’s be constructive and focus the discussion on how things can be done differently, by looking more broadly at the way in which the government deals with IT- because, there are other cases, too, where things often go wrong.

Relying on Week-old Figures

Statistics on infections, admissions and ICU patients dominate the news every day. They are an important source of information for government policy, so it’s vital that they are correct and up-to-date.

Anyone who says that the matter is simply too complex does not know how powerful IT- and its smart use – can be.

Collecting and processing up-to-date figures – it happens everywhere. Just look at the stock exchanges and weather services. They process huge amounts of data in a very short time. Sometimes it comes down to milliseconds. Investment decisions based figures that are a week old would offer little chance of return.

An Information-driven Approach

The change has started in many governments. I notice it in practice day in, day out. Their commitment to an information-driven approach is a real leap forward. However, there is still much more to be done…

Large IT projects are usually supported – and critically monitored – by an advisory committee, responsible for assessing the goal and the result. All well and good, but wouldn’t it be great to take things a step further, to expand the committee to include IT experts from the field and have them assess the performance of the technology used. Even the best car mechanic can’t see from the outside how the car engine is doing, but, take a look under the hood. Only then will you really know what’s going on.

Minister of IT Affairs

I find the recent decision by the European Central Bank (ECB) to check how banks have safeguarded the (digital) privacy of their customers a good example. The ECB will no longer leave it to the banks, but want to be able to log into the systems and see for themselves how things really are.

Perhaps the corona crisis will open politicians’ eyes. Forget the reports – show them how it’s done! Make use of the knowledge and experience of IT specialists. They are certainly willing to think along and contribute, both in word and in deed.

If necessary, appoint a Minister for IT Affairs in the new cabinet after next year’s elections. Take a leaf out of the book of the multinationals – after all, they all have a Chief Information Officer on their board of directors. IT is core business, also for governments.