We're looking forward to sharing much more in 2019.
Ways of working
❤️Make things open: Hackney Council have launched a user research library, helping UK local authorities share common approaches to shared problems. We hope it encourages more teams to be open by default.
Marni Wilhite and Ben Guhin of the City of Austin consider how to consider how to improve approaches to smart cities. You'll see why we like this, as they set out the need to build and support technology expertise in-house, and end vendor lock-in.
State of technology
A handy summary of everything Amazon has announced this year. To begin a theme, that includes pitching facial recognition software to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Huawei stories rumble on. One good thing about this: more people outside of China are learning Huawei's name and reach, which is no bad thing. Recent reports include the company offering the UK a $2 billion security pledge following a walkout by British officials, and a Huawei executive arrested in Canada for alleged sanctions fraud. The fact that she is the daughter of Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei has turned up the heat.
$3.5 billion reasons to care about Megvii: Chinese AI facial recognition start-up Megvii is aiming to raise $500 million in a new funding round. Its current valuation is $3.5 billion. While facial recognition has commercial uses, Karen Chiu sets out how surveillance technology is a growing export from China, from Venezuela and Zimbabwe to Ecuador and Singapore.
Yolanda has just stepped down as National Digital Strategy Coordinator. During the last administration, Mexico unified its web presence into www.gob.mx and designed digital services based on user needs.
Yolanda recently spoke to GovInsider about her work as part of their Women in GovTech special report.
Government news
👋A light-hearted look at the top 10 digital diplomacy moments of 2018, featuring world-leader selfies and the first G7 featured on snapchat.
🇩🇰🎧Danish Tech Ambassador Casper Klynge talks to Exponential View about his role representing Danish citizens to the world's most powerful technology companies.
🇸🇪 Åsa Zetterberg has stepped down as Sweden's Chief Digital Officer. No reports yet on her replacement.
News from Public Digital
We've published a short book of interesting articles from people we admire. We’ve printed a few hundred copies to give away to clients and contacts over the next few months. It's not online yet, but you could always come and see us.
