Windsor-Essex Ontario does open government with help from IBM

I spent some time with Kristina Verner, research and development officer, Centre for Smart Community Innovation, University of Windsor, to discuss the decade-long Smart Community project that is now paying dividends in Windsor-Essex Ontario.

Yes, I did say a decade.  While there have been many small successes along the way it has really been in the last year that the full potential has begun to be realized.  The University, playing the role of go-between for business and government has been able to achieve an impressive set of results ranging from job creation to internal efficiencies to quality of service improvements (yes, the three key returns from open government).  These include:

• A program that resulted in the recycling of 250 tons of garbage that was used in new housing projects.  This also led to the creation of 30 new jobs.
• A program focused on helping asthma sufferers in the region.  Asthma is a major health issue in the area and has historically had a large negative impact on organizations, ranging from  lost hours of productivity due to sick time to associated medical health cost.  The programs, which enabled workers to more quickly find information and treatment, has led to a reduction in sick days of 55% at one large local automobile manufacturing plant.
• A program that enables local businesses to publicize their goods and services in more interactive and social ways is driving more business to the area.  In one example, noted by IBM, “an automotive manufacturer was able to gain its first client in the aerospace industry” due to this program.
• A focus on new markets that recognized existing manufacturing jobs for the auto-industry were shifting away.  This resulted in 300 permanent jobs at CS Wind/Samsung and 175 initial permanent jobs at OYA Solar/Silken Solar, a focus on alternative energy sources being seen as an excellent investment both now and in the future.

IBM Software, including WebSphere Portal and IBM Lotus Web Content Management software, IBM Lotus Quickr, IBM Lotus Sametime, and IBM Lotus Domino, was critical to these efforts.  However, software alone is never enough to create meaningful change.   Key items that I heard from Kristina were:

• A clear set of goals and strategy to meet these goals.
• A willingness to be flexible, nimble, agile.  When the potential for a quick win occurs they are unafraid to tackle them as long as they lead to real, meaningful, change.

Interested in hearing more from Kristina?  Check out this video she did for IBM:

Please do note that IBM is paying my expenses to be at LotusSphere.  However, my comments would be unchanged even if this were not the case.

John

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