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techUK’s head of local public services comments on the imminent launch of LOTI and the role industry can play

On the Smart London blog, Chief Digital Officer for London Theo Blackwell and interim London Office for Technology & Innovation (LOTI) Director Omid Shiraji describe the set-up of the new London Office of Technology & Innovation ahead of it’s planned launch during London Tech Week on 10 June.

LOTI’s draft mission statement is:

We will build a shared capability with our Core membership, to improve London’s capacity to experiment, collaborate on digital and data innovation and to scale application across London’s public services. We aim to help all London Local Authorities lead, promote, learn from and replicate digital innovation across the capital.

The problems LOTI is trying to solve is:

techUK’s Head of Local Public Services, Georgina Maratheftis commented:

“techUK supports the mission and vision behind LOTI to strengthen the ability of London’s 33 boroughs to innovate, build common capability and to scale-up digital innovation across the city. LOTI provides an important step towards London being at the forefront of tech innovation to create smart places and communities where citizens want to live, work and thrive. If done right, LOTI could provide a model for other regions to adopt to scale-up innovation and best practise.

“As a key player within the public service eco-system it is critical that industry has a key voice in LOTI’s development and is engaged in helping to create the conditions for meaningful transformation. We look forward to its launch during the vibrant and diverse London Tech Week, and working with the LOTI team to grow London’s thriving tech eco-system and improve outcomes for all London citizens.”