Sessions at TransferSummit 2011 about Higher Education on Wednesday 7th September

Software developers are often regarded within large organizations as undifferentiated 'resources' to be called on to make computers work. This can be apparent from the conditions offered to them - whether it is a lack of opportunities for staff development or career progression, or unsuitable physical working environments. However, developers frequently have creative and analytical skills that are under-utilized. Paul will describe the DevCSI project, which represents a concerted effort to raise the profile of developers in one particular sector - Higher Education - through creating opportunities for developers to network, collaborate and showcase their work. The goal of this talk is to prove how developers have more significant value to offer organizations than is often supposed, and to demonstrate that the developers who are encouraged to participate in wider communities are more valuable to the organization as a result. The lessons being learned in this sector are applicable to other sectors, as is demonstrated by the growing interest in our work from commercial developers.