Cloud Policy of the Icelandic Public Sector

March 2022

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Strategies and Action Plans

The strategy outlined in the ‘Cloud Policy of the Icelandic Public Sector’ aims to harness cloud solutions to enhance the efficiency, security, and innovation of public services in Iceland. The policy provides a comprehensive framework for the adoption and utilisation of cloud technologies across the public sector, detailing strategic objectives, outcomes, and guiding principles.

Strategic Planning

Objectives and Desired Outcomes:

  • Coordination and Optimisation: Enhance the coordination of cloud solution implementations to optimise their use and increase security across public entities.
  • Service Efficiency: Accelerate the delivery of IT services, promoting faster, cost-effective, and secure digital services.
  • Innovation Opportunities: Enable the development of innovative applications, such as artificial intelligence and data analysis.

Vision

Goal:

  • Position Iceland as a global leader in digital services by leveraging flexible and diverse cloud solutions to provide safe, reliable, and efficient services accessible anytime and anywhere.

Outcomes

  1. Increased Security:
    • Implement comprehensive risk assessments and data security classifications.
    • Protect data from internal and external threats.
    • Standardise information systems to reduce risks.
  2. Improved Services:
    • Enhance digital services for the public and businesses.
    • Optimise the use of public funds by adapting services to real-time demands.
  3. Enhanced Innovation:
    • Foster innovation within the public sector using advanced tools and services like AI and automation.

Strategic Cloud Principles

  1. Efficient Utilisation:
    • Design solutions to use available tools and procedures effectively.
    • Promote data sharing and re-use among public entities.
  2. Fact-Based Decision Making:
    • Make decisions based on relevant data and proactive risk assessments.
  3. Appropriate Cloud Solutions:
    • Select cloud services based on comprehensive risk assessments.
  4. Trusted Providers and Cost Control:
    • Procure services from trusted providers and ensure cost-effectiveness.
  5. Data and Service Protection:
    • Handle data responsibly and ensure business continuity.
  6. Continuous Improvement:
    • Monitor and optimise cloud usage continuously.
  7. Collaboration and Training:
    • Invest in education and collaboration across public and private sectors.

Themes for Cloud Policy Implementation

  1. Governance and Architecture:
    • Provide tools and guides for institutions to accelerate cloud adoption and integrate services for holistic public services.
  2. Organisational Structure and Competence:
    • Appoint responsible individuals in institutions with the commitment to drive cloud adoption.
  3. Security, Privacy, and Risk Management:
    • Conduct systematic risk assessments to ensure the security of cloud solutions.
  4. Procurement and Cost Control:
    • Centralise procurement and ensure cost transparency and predictability.
  5. Selection and Design of Cloud Environments:
    • Use standardised solutions to meet user requirements efficiently.
  6. Operations of Cloud Environments:
    • Ensure automation and easy customisation of cloud services, adapting to new functionalities and technologies.

Next Steps

The policy’s implementation will be guided by an action plan developed by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, in collaboration with public sector entities, municipalities, and private companies. This action plan will support public entities in creating their own cloud adaptation plans, aligning with the overarching objectives of the government’s digital services framework.