Project Aims and Objectives

The Project

CLIPS is a unique pilot project funded through the CIP Programme of the European Commission, aimed at the development of a new approach to the delivery of public services through the use of cloud computing. The CLIPS project brings together key stakeholders from across the EU including Public Authorities, Citizens and Businesses to develop a dedicated framework for cloud based public services which seeks to overcome some of the major issues that have so far prevented the full adoption of the cloud within the public sector notably in architecture, design and security.

Through the delivery of four pilots in four cities: Bremerhaven (DE), Lecce (IT), Novi Sad (RS) and Santander (ES), the project will seek to demonstrate how cloud based services can be used for the benefit of citizens and to facilitate the fictional scenario of a family moving from one member state to another and the typical complexities that such a move could entail. Taking into account administrative requirements such as registering for utilities, schooling, local taxes, social care, all through the use of use of a dedicated cloud based infrastructure, the primary goal of CLIPS is to demonstrate how the cloud can improve efficiencies and public service delivery. The definition and the implementation of new cloud based services follows a mash-up approach, to develop an ecosystem template (methodology and tool kit including platform) that can be replicated across Europe promoting interoperability and enhancing consumer confidence in cloud services.

At the end of the 30 month pilot project, the project will deliver a common platform with interoperable services, transferable methodology and associated business model that will facilitate increased adoption of cloud based public services throughout the EU. It will also seek to identify and address key policy and ethical constraints that could impact the replication of the final solution. If successful, this project offers a step forward for EU cloud capabilities with significant benefits not only for public organisations at a national and regional level but also for SME’s and citizens alike.

A presentation on the CLIPS project

Objectives

General Objectives:

  • The introduction of a new approach for cloud based Public Service provision, involving representation from a range of Community stakeholders (based around a PPPP – Public-Private-People-Partnership).
  • The analysis of policy, security legal and data protection issues with reference to cross-border services, also considering the requirements of a NON EU country.
  • The implementation of 4 Pilots across 4 different countries, experimenting with cross-border services.
  • The definition of a sustainability model for the approach proposed to facilitate future adoption throughout the EU.
  • All public services and components developed will reside in the cloud, and will be accessible through a repository, to allow use and adoption by other Public Administrations and SMEs. New services will be required to adhere to an appropriate accreditation process to ensure compliance with policies and guidelines of the different Public Administrations.

Technical Objectives:

  • The use of a service mash-up editor to design public services through a palette of micro-services (services that implement simple operations over data).
  • The definition of an identity management platform, based on the CIP funded STORK project (www.eid-stork.eu), together with a system capable of verifying the integrity of services released and running over the CLIPS platform.
  • The definition of micro-proxies with the ability to connect Public Administrations internal data management systems to the CLIPS platform, in full compliance with technical and authorization criteria.

Targeted Impact

  1. A common platform, methodology and associated business model that will facilitate increased adoption of cloud computing for public services with relevant stakeholders involved throughout the project to ensure that the final solution is delivered according to end user needs.
  2. Improved interoperability and data management between administrations under targeted impact
  3. The development of new services that can be easily replicated throughout the EU.
  4. The adoption of an existing authentication platform (STORK) for the delivery of trusted and reliable services to citizens and business.
  5. The identification of key constraints that could impact adoption of the final solution with appropriate recommendations made to address such constraints.
  6. The use of innovative architectures that can be applied across different legal environments in order to demonstrate that the aggregation of services is viable across borders.
  7. Improved capabilities for SMEs towards developing, validating and scaling-up new services.
  8. Case studies and impact analysis generated from the pilots that can be shared across the EU.