Cabinet Paper - DIGITAL STRATEGY GOVERNANCE

RECOMMENDATIONS
39. It is recommended that the Committee:

1. Note that there is a significant level of interest generated by the draft Digital Strategy document, and support for its general direction.
2. Note that the Digital Strategy process to date has been co-ordinated by an inter-departmental Steering Group led by the Ministry of Economic Development, with the oversight of relevant Ministers.
3. Note that the Digital Strategy components of the 2005/06 Budget have been agreed amongst Growth and Innovation Framework (GIF) Ministers.
4. Note that bids totalling $57 million have been agreed for GIF funding to support Digital Strategy activities, with additional related funding in vote baselines and the 2004/5 contingency allocation.
5. Note that the Minister for Information Technology intends to launch the Digital Strategy in May 2005.  As the launch will precede the Budget speech, agreement has been given by the Minister of Finance to include the funding details from the 2005/6 Budget.
6. Note that with publication of the final Digital Strategy in May 2005, a framework is required to provide oversight and strategic coordination of initiatives contributing to the multiple outcomes of the Strategy.
7. Agree that governance and management of the Digital Strategy should be provided by:
   7.1 the Minister for Information Technology and an ad hoc group of responsible "Digital Ministers" to make decisions on programme direction and implementation;
   7.2 an interdepartmental Steering Group of working level officials to advise and make recommendations on Digital Strategy and funding policy;
   7.3 an Advisory Group of participating government agency chief executives and senior business and community representatives covering the Digital Strategy strands of Connection, Content and Capability/Confidence to provide advice on the strategic direction and focus of the Strategy; and
   7.4 a small, full-time Secretariat to run the funding process and support the Steering and Advisory Groups located within the Ministry of Economic Development.
8. Agree that the Minister for Information Technology, consulting with interested Ministers as appropriate, should initiate a selection process for Advisory Group Members.
9. Agree that the Ministry of Economic Development should have responsibility for accommodating and managing the Digital Strategy Secretariat.
10. Agree that the Ministry of Economic Development continue to coordinate the development of policy on the Digital Strategy’s governance and management, and its operational aspects, including through the governance processes set out above.
11. Note that the Ministry of Economic Development will review the governance and management framework by 1 July 2006 to determine if it is operating effectively and meeting the needs of the Digital Strategy.
12. Note that Part B of the Digital Strategy paper seeking approval for the final text will be presented to Economic Development Committee in April 2005.
13. Note that Part C of the Digital Strategy paper seeking approval for the funding allocation process and criteria, and the delivery and monitoring mechanisms for the contestable funds will be sought by July 2005.
14. Invite the Minister for Information Technology to announce the decisions as outlined above and release this paper and associated minute.

Hon David Cunliffe
Minister for Information Technology

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