Like many other businesses and organizations over the last few years, governments have been transitioning many of their services and operations to the digital space so they can better serve the needs and expectations of citizens.
Although the needs of citizens are different depending on whether an area is more rural or urban, the population size, population density, and a number of other factors, there are several local government technology trends that can be observed.
Some local government technology trends have also been driven by evolving citizen behavior, as people now expect services to be easily accessible from their mobile device following the explosion of digital services that occurred after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and general technological advancements over the past several years. Additionally, when governments are looking for ways to streamline operations and accomplish everyday tasks more efficiently, technology can help make this possible.
So, let’s take a look at some of the most pervasive local government technology trends.
Data-Driven Decision Making
We can’t talk about local government technology trends without mentioning data. The days of pen and paper surveys and polling people on the street or door to door are over. Well, perhaps not entirely. But while these ways of polling public opinion are still useful and important, they pale in comparison to the insights data can provide.
Technology has penetrated virtually every aspect of life, and the data collected from users, with their consent, can be very helpful to a government agency when trying to identify the needs and desires of its citizens. Governments that take advantage of the massive amounts of data available to them and find ways to use it to improve the lives of citizens, and their own operations, will be the innovative new leaders of the public sector.
Growing Need for Cybersecurity
With the increased use of and reliance on technology comes the need for cybersecurity. A government could offer the most amazing and convenient digital services in the world, but if they don’t have proper cybersecurity measures in place to prevent data breaches, theft, and damage, then no citizen would feel comfortable using them. Governments should put as much focus on making digital services safe and secure as they do making sure services are convenient for citizens.
A Focus on the Citizen
All governments should have the health, safety, wellbeing and needs of their citizens as one of their top priorities. New tech solutions like the cloud give governments the power to better serve those who they’ve been trusted to govern because they can put more effort into serving the needs of citizens and less focus on mundane tasks like paperwork and records management. This is thanks in part to automation.
Government Technology Must Be Easily Shared
Local governments often have to share information with other governments, so all technology they adopt must be interoperable. The word “interoperable” describes the ability for data to be shared between computer systems. The more interoperable and the more secure the data transfer, the better. With how often local governments are in communication with one another, this is one of the most important local government technology trends for governments to follow.
Technology Should Connect, Not Divide
Some argue that distrust of government is at an all-time high. With this in mind, technology should focus on connecting rather than dividing. Governments embracing technology and following local government technology trends should enhance their connection with citizens, building trust and making it easier for them to stay informed, connected and able to access vital services.
GovOS works with hundreds of government agencies across the country to bring a wide array of services online and effectively streamline everyday processes for citizens and staff. Contact us today to discover all the ways we can help your community on its digital transformation journey.
