Cisco to host innovation Web cast

Cisco Systems hosted a live Web cast discussion on the impact virtuality and technology innovation can have on all sectors of the US economy and society on 10 August.

The discussion addressed the growing presence of virtuality in business and society, how virtuality is changing the competitive landscape and what this means for key aspects of the US economy.

The group also discussed the need for policy makers and leaders to foster innovation in general, as well as the implications on infrastructure investment and business models, productivity and growth. Cisco also released key elements of the Cisco Innovation 2005 Study.

Participants included John Chambers, president and CEO of Cisco Systems and Bob Greifeld, president and CEO of the NASDAQ stock market. Jim Goldman Silicon Valley Bureau Chief of CNBC moderated the event.

The Centre for Public Service Innovation (CPSI) will host the 2005 Public Sector Innovation Awards on the 7 September. The award aims to celebrate the successes of individuals, teams and entire departments in the quest for a more effective, accountable government and improved service delivery.

Public servants who believe their work has improved service delivery were invited to enter the competition. One of the key elements for judging is for an e-project or programmes to show that they have improved public service delivery, thus improving the standard of living in South Africa.

Award categories include public sector innovator of the year, innovative partnership in service delivery, innovative use of information technology for effective service delivery, innovative service delivery institutions, innovative enhancements on internal systems within government and innovative service delivery projects involving the South African government in partnership with other SADC governments.

Last year`s winners for the innovative enhancements in the internal systems of Government were the South African Revenue Services and Accenture while the South African Post Office and the Independent Electoral Commission placed jointly as winners of the innovative use of information technology for effective service delivery.