As we move deeper into the digital age, state and local governments are increasingly recognizing the need to keep pace with the latest technological trends. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, state and local governments can optimize their operations and better serve their constituents. Let’s take a look at some of the state and local government technology trends that need to be front and center in 2023.
Digital Identity
Digital identity refers to the digital representation of a person's identity, including their personal information, biometric data, and credentials.
In 2023, state and local governments should focus on developing secure and interoperable digital identity systems that can be used across different platforms and services. In several countries around the globe, including Estonia and the United Kingdom, have already started development on their digital identity systems, and nearly a dozen have embarked on the development of high level principles to support the development of mutually recognized and interoperable digital ID systems and infrastructure.
Digital identity systems can help governments to improve the efficiency and security of their services, while also enhancing citizen privacy and control over their personal information. Governments should work to develop open standards and interoperability frameworks for digital identity systems to ensure that they are accessible and secure for all citizens.
According to a report by McKinsey & Company, the use of digital identity technologies could generate up to $1.1 trillion in economic value globally by 2030. Additionally, a survey by the Center for Digital Government found that 60% of state and local government agencies are currently using or planning to use digital identity technologies.
"Digital identity systems can help governments to improve the efficiency and security of their services while enhancing citizen privacy and control over their personal information," said Ben Miller, Principal at McKinsey & Company. "Governments need to work towards developing open standards and interoperability frameworks to ensure that digital identity systems are accessible and secure for all citizens."
Artificial Intelligence
In 2023, state and local governments should invest in AI technologies to optimize their operations and better serve their constituents.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize the way state and local governments operate. AI can help governments to automate routine tasks, improve decision-making processes, and enhance citizen engagement.
For example, AI-powered chatbots can help governments to provide quick and efficient customer service to citizens, while machine learning algorithms can be used to analyze large amounts of data and identify patterns and trends. These capabilities allow for less human interaction and lower costs of doing business while increasing productivity exponentially across organizations. A Governing magazine report found that 53% of local government officials cannot complete their work on time due to low operational efficiencies like manual paperwork, data collection, and reporting. As a result, the task backlog piles up, causing further delays in government workflows. AI can help bridge this digital divide and bring much-needed productivity enhancements allowing governments of all sizes to enhance their customer service and delivery.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is a growing concern for state and local governments as cyberattacks become increasingly sophisticated and frequent.
In 2023, governments need to focus on implementing robust cybersecurity measures to protect their data and networks.
Governments should invest in technologies such as multi-factor authentication, encryption, and advanced threat detection, just to name a few, to safeguard their systems. Additionally, governments should conduct regular cybersecurity audits and provide ongoing training for employees to stay up to date on the latest threats and best practices.
According to a report by the Ponemon Institute, the average cost of a data breach for a state or local government organization was $2.4 million in 2020. Additionally, the report found that 46% of respondents said they had experienced a data breach in the past 24 months.
"State and local governments are increasingly being targeted by cybercriminals due to the sensitive nature of the data they hold," said Larry Ponemon, Chairman and Founder of the Ponemon Institute. "Governments need to invest in robust cybersecurity measures to protect their data and networks."
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing has become a buzzword in recent years, and for good reason.
Cloud computing can help state and local governments save money on hardware and software costs, increase collaboration, and enhance security. With cloud computing, governments can access their data and applications from anywhere, making it easier for employees to work remotely or on the go.
In 2023, state and local governments should continue to explore the benefits of cloud computing and migrate their data and applications to the cloud. This will help governments to become more agile and better equipped to respond to changing needs and circumstances.
Many government agencies have already seen the benefits of improved agility and adaptability, cost reduction and control, labor optimization and many other benefits. As this wave continues, it may become easier for government agencies to understand and manage their cloud computing costs based on actual utilization, allowing for better understanding of their resources and a more transparent chargeback model to it supported agencies as well.
"Cloud computing has the potential to provide significant cost savings, agility, and scalability to state and local governments," said Doug Robinson, Executive Director of the National Association of State Chief Information Officers. "It also enables greater collaboration and information sharing among agencies."
State and local governments need to invest in the latest technology trends to optimize their operations and better serve their constituents. From cloud computing and AI to cybersecurity, and digital identity, these technologies can help governments to save costs, improve decision-making, and provide better services to their citizens.
For more information or to schedule a discovery meeting; Reach out to our VP, of SLED, Dave Baxter today!
