The goal is for the central government’s Chief Information Officers (CIOs) to be more transparent towards Parliament and society with improved oversight by gaining deeper insight into information provision.
Increased insight required
There’s a recurring call from the House of Representatives (Tweede Kamer) for more clarity on the expenditures, benefits, coherence, and lifecycle status of the central government’s ICT. The National ICT Dashboard already provides insights, particularly into major ICT projects. The Annual Report on Government Operations also includes ICT accountability, along with substantive BIT (Bureau ICT Toetsing) advice on large projects with an ICT component. With these elements, the central government provides information on major new projects and systems.
Maintenance, management, and results
It is estimated that 75 to 80 percent of total ICT expenditures are allocated to the upkeep and management of existing systems. This information is often not clear or comparable. This is set to change. Data for governance and accountability on information provision will be standardised and recorded in reliable administrations. System lifecycles are the starting point for this. Moreover, while ICT accountability often focuses on costs, risks, and compliance levels, societal impacts are becoming increasingly significant, which requires further actions.
I focus areas
I focus area 1: Information products
Gradually enhance the societal value of reports. Shift focus towards the information domain, beyond just efficiency and cost savings.
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- Further development of the National ICT Dashboard to include maintenance and management, and societal benefits.
- Information provision reporting to Parliament with (a summary) of departmental I-plans.
I focus area 2: Framework setting
Oversee the professionalisation of the system of IV administrations. Establish clear, common principles, frameworks, and standardised terms.
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- Professionalising portfolio management.
- Further development of the Information Statute.
- A manual for lifecycle management.
- A quality framework for departmental information provision plans.
I focus area 3: Approach to administration within set parameters
Implementing the system of information provision administrations and their integration with financial systems.
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- Collaborating with CIO offices and their colleagues in financial and economic affairs to develop a standardised and feasible approach with relevant and up-to-date information for more effective reporting on ICT services.
