Balancing on a thin line

03.03.2006
Although the upcoming e-government services will be delivered via a government-branded One-Stop Portal (OSP), the private sector will continue to play a key role in Hong Kong's e-government strategy, said Howard Dickson, Hong Kong Government Chief Information Officer (GCIO).

'There are situations for insourcing, a time for outsourcing and a time to go for public-private partnership (PPP). We look at the situation if it's a key area that is part of our strategic value, my sense is that it's something we should own the day-to-day operation,' said Dickson. 'In other words, whether we own the car or rent the car, we need to drive the car.'

Like the private sector, the public sector also leverages external parties for more efficient operation. But different from enterprises, the government has other concerns when it comes to seeking help outside.

'The public private partnership (PPP) is an essential component among all kinds of government projects,' said Jonson Yue, senior manager, solution and industry marketing at HP. 'Striking a balance between private and public sector involvement within e-government projects is a never-ending debate.'

Compared to other governments, Yue said the Hong Kong government has a comparatively higher quality and quantity of outsource projects. Although the OSP will allow an incremental participation from the private sector, a couple of recent e-government projects currently involve the private sector. The proposal to hand over the e-Cert service to the private sector and the outsourcing of the OGCIO's Central Computer Center (CCC) are examples.