Towards a digital operating model: The year ahead with defence digital transformation leader Ross Ermel
In this ‘Five Minutes With’ series, we interview senior civil servants about their achievements in 2024 and goals for the year ahead. This interview features Ross Ermel, assistant deputy minister for digital transformation in Canada’s Department of National Defence.
What was your organisation’s top achievement in 2024?
In May 2024 we announced the creation of the Digital Services Group (DSG) at National Defence Canada that amalgamated the pre-existing CIO Group and Digital Transformation Office. The integration of these two teams allowed us to streamline the delivery of digitally enabled services and clarify areas of responsibility and accountability from each founding organisation.
This allows the DSG to improve its capability sustainment, support the enablement of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) operations and facilitate the transition towards a more agile and responsive service delivery model that aligns with current Government of Canada and industry standards and best practices.
What was the biggest challenge you faced in 2024?
Reshaping our organisation is a vast undertaking that requires considerable coordination and time to ensure that the process was done carefully and with purpose. This integration effort involves the dedicated effort of thousands of employees across the organization with the aim of putting the right people in the right roles. This work is key to building the foundation of our new organisation while advancing our digital modernisation efforts.
Read more: Delivery driver: how the Canadian Data/AI Challenge makes data dreams come true
What are your priorities for the year ahead?
A key priority for the year ahead is to move away from a process-oriented structure towards a new, more agile and service-oriented model. Transitioning to a new digital operating model will allow us to fulfill service delivery expectations and requirements to support the digital transformation needs of the Defence Team. This work is also key to future-proofing our Canadian Armed Forces capabilities and aligning our defence capabilities with those of our key partners and allies
What change would you most like to make to how government uses digital, data and technology in 2025?
The Government of Canada has an opportunity to clearly frame its ethical use of generative AI and its integration into daily operations. With the establishment of the DND/CAF Artificial Intelligence Centre (DCAIC) there is an opportunity to transform data into actionable insights, foster innovation and support decision-making.
What would your dream holiday destination be for a break in 2025?
A week of golfing on some of the classic courses in Scotland.
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