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Theo Blackwell, London’s first CDO sets out his top three priorities and highlights the importance of collaboration in achieving the ambition for London.

Back in August, the London mayor Sadiq Khan fulfilled a manifesto pledge to appoint a London Chief Digital Officer (CDO). Former Camden Councillor Theo Blackwell was appointed as London’s first CDO and this week at the UK Smart Cities Index 2017 event he set out his top priorities.

1. To make sure the digital strategy is well aligned with the strategic objectives of the Greater London Authority and the councils of the city’s 32 boroughs.
2. Establish a “coalition of the willing” in London and identify London authorities that to work and go to the next level of transformation.
3. Aligning with the City’s other key institutions.

The remit of the London CDO will also be to deliver on the Mayor’s ambition for London the smartest city in the world. Theo outlined at the event that one of the biggest challenges will be getting London to collaborate better.

Georgina Maratheftis, Programme Manager for Local Government at techUK said:

“The appointment of London CDO is an important step in London being at the forefront of tech innovation. We welcome hearing what Theo’s top priorities will be. Theo is also right to recognise that improved collaboration will be key in accelerating transformation at the local level and in making London a technology world leader. techUK looks forward to working with the London CDO, to bring together local authorities and tech industry to create the environment that enables successful transformation and improved collaboration."