National Conversations
No not like that, tech overlords...
The May elections are really heating up now and National Conversations have a lot of events lined up in Glasgow, Cardiff, Edinburgh and London.
We are trying to move digital technology and the issues and opportunities around it into the centre of political life - in a way that is practitioner and citizen-focussed.
There is a lot of tech chat about - and a huge amount of it is vendor-led - and a digital politics of buy-my-stuff is a dead end.
We are also trying to be holistic - and recognise that the impact of digital is not just on the private sector, not just about public sector delivery but also has social consequences. We need to examine these issues in the round, as citizens.
We have hustings on the Digital Society in Glasgow and The Private Sector and the Economy in Edinburgh, talks on Institutionalising The Digital State in London, a community outreach event (also Glasgow) and The State and Public Sector in Cardiff. And that’s just the pre-election events, more to come.
If you are in the sector we would be delighted if you would sign our pledge and join a range of people from various sectors, startups, public servants, economic development, R&D and social and freedom orientated organisations (as well as all over the UK and around the world) in putting these important conversations at the heart of national life.
We are asking folk to sign as individuals.
We are volunteer-run and are not seeking corporate donations. Our work will cost us about £30 per MSP and MS and any help towards meeting that would be appreciated.
If you would like to organise any other events HMU. gordon.guthrie@foundationsofthedigitalstate.com