Public Sector SIG Update Dec 2019 Q4

Special Interest Group

Public Sector SIG

Working Group Health

The group is becoming larger and diverse with subscribers and participants from all around the world. Presently we are close to 200 subscribers and expect a wider engagement on diverse topics covering Blockchain applications in Public Sector. General Biweekly meetings are conducted regularly as per schedule and there has been new attendees sharing exciting ideas and new subscriber base addition to the evolving PS SIG Community in the last quarter.

Issues

Communication and Engagement remains the focal point for the year 2020 followed by cross pollination with other SIGs on common goals.

Overall Activity in the Past Quarter

Regular meetings have been held, no meetings have been missed. The chat channel still has low activity. The mailing list is still primarily used for Agendas as well as call follow up discussions.

Some of the key takeaways are brilliant presentations and experiences shared on Blockchain initiatives in Public Sector by amazing people from all around the world.

OCTOBER 11

Sergio G. Miranda, Head of Blockchain Technology and Innovation Programs at Alastria, gave an overview of the first Public-Permissioned Blockchain network in Spain and Europe with multi-sectorial members. 

Bobbi Muscara,Chairperson HL Learning Materials Development WG and a strong proponent of Blockchain in Public Sector shared her experiences at NYC Big Apps Blockchain Challenge. 

OCTOBER 25

Gerard Dache, Executive Director of the Government Blockchain Association gave a fantastic presentation on the exciting journey of reaching a 100 member chapters globally and the ongoing efforts in Public Sector. 

NOVEMBER 8

Carlo Ruiz from the Office of the Inclusive Economic Development from UNDP Ecuador presented on The Other Bar – Chocolate that promotes equality, a concept funded by UNDP promoting Sustainable business practice of fair trade and equitable income for the farmers in the cocoa field. 

NOVEMBER 22

Strategic discussion on challenges associated with communication and engagement and Work allocation to enthusiastic volunteers for the year 2020. 

DECEMBER 6

Virginia Cram-Martos from Barcelona shared a detailed update on Blockchain Applications all around the globe resonating with the values targeted to be achieved as per UN SDGs.

DECEMBER 20

Dr. David King from Boston walked us through the Auditing of Decentralized Power Generation and Storage using a Blockchain based Virtual Power Plant. He tried to give a vivid description of Blockchain adoption and ongoing research in Public Utilities. 

Planned Work Products

• Survey of Group Expectations in 2020
• Survey on Blockchain Initiatives in Global Public Sector
• Regular Speakers for the Biweekly General Meeting of the PS SIG
• Coordination with Regional Public Sector Groups, Local Meetups and increasing value exchange

The primary driver for participation remains peer learning.

Participant Diversity

The participants joining the calls regularly hail from different countries like USA, Canada, UK, Spain, UAE, Mexico, Uzbekistan, Russia, China and India and with interesting background serving the people in Global, Regional and Local Public Sectors. We also have Blockchain enthusiasts from Large Enterprises and Small Businesses sharing critical insights on diverse aspects of the Public Sector. There is an equal and active representation of both Males and Females and we have volunteers ranging from deep rooted technical knowledge, outstanding techno-functional folks and SMEs with many decades of experience on different verticals and areas of Public Sector enriching the diversity.

Additional Information

The Public Sector SIG anticipates a continued diverse range of presentations, and look forward to collaboration and deeper integration with the Meetups globally to add fresh and interesting perspective. The SIG welcomes new members - both with an interest in the Public Sector, as well as looking for generalist members who seek out key community strengthening activities, such as documentation, communication, reporting, etc. Additional suggestions and nominations of presenters and use cases are welcome on an ongoing basis.