3 Ways Technology Is Transforming How Governments Serve Constituents
3 Ways Technology Is Transforming How Governments Serve Constituents. For many individuals and small business owners, the word “government” carries a decidedly sluggish connotation.
Many of us think of outdated operations, slow-moving lines and long wait times for public services. We struggle to renew driver’s licenses, stress about documentation at the planning department and fret about building permits as we endure red tape and delays.
Though stubborn issues persist, a shift in government service is underway. In my experience as an advisor to Accela, I have had the opportunity to learn about the transformation that state and local governments across the country are going through. A new wave of versatile and scalable technologies is driving the government sector to reimagine services that empower businesses and citizens. The cloud, big data, predictive analytics, intelligent sensors, automation and other technologies have redefined what’s possible and what we can expect from government services.
Here are three fast-moving trends reshaping the business of government.
1. Public- And Private-Sector Opportunity: Government Is Becoming Big Business
Emerging technologies can have a big impact on government. For businesses and entrepreneurs, the modernization of the public sector creates a new potential customer base to deploy digital services, explore uncharted business models and test innovative technologies in the real world.
The 2019 GovTech 100 report revealed that the maturing government technology market is starting to resemble a corporate market, with mergers and acquisitions, significant investments, startups and fresh innovation. Enterprise technology providers can now help governments take a leap forward in meeting citizens’ demands. Startups have opportunities to partner with governments to access thousands of new users and potential revenue streams.
For example, NYCx, New York City’s in-house innovation program for startups, was created to build awareness for urban challenges like connectivity, climate change, crime and waste reduction.
Other private-public innovation programs include the City Innovate, San Francisco’s Civic Bridge, Philly FastFWD, Bloomberg Philanthropies’ What Works Cities, and Atlanta’s SmartATL.
