Technology changing how government operates
by Mary Scott Nabers,
CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
Technology is revolutionizing the way government operates and the public sector is a huge marketplace for companies that offer technology products and solutions. Public officials are unabashed in their comments as they encourage firms to bring them unsolicited proposals.
Here are examples of how technology is changing the way government operates.
- The Maryland Governor’s Office recently traded in hundreds of paper-filled binders and folders for sleek computer tablets filled with electronic data. After a successful pilot, they provided laptop tablets and styluses. The use of paper has dropped by 90 percent since the change.
- The San Francisco Police Department launched what is called the San Francisco Citizens Initiative for Technology and Innovation and they are now leading the way in technology-driven records management. The department is also beta-testing a Web-based crime data warehouse. Later this year, they will release an app designed to let officers file reports and access the data warehouse from tablets and smartphones. This will allow officers to spend more time in the field rather than in the office filing reports.
- Boston city officials have developed an app - Street Bump. It senses bumps in the roads. Once an area gets three or more alerts, the system acknowledges the problem and alerts city officials.
- The San Marino City Council and the South Pasadena City Council, each located in Southern California, have traded in pens and notepads for tablets that allow them to view meeting agendas, take notes and communicate more effectively. The switch to technology was so successful that Pasadena firefighters are beginning to use tablets as well.
- School districts are also using technology in innovative ways. The Los Angeles Unified District Superintendent John Deasy plans to provide tablets for students and instructors by the next school year. They hope to expand the program district-wide within the next five years.
The world is changing at warp speed and nowhere are the trends more evident than in government.
Mary Scott Nabers is president and CEO of Strategic Partnerships Inc., co-founder of Gemini Global Group and author of 'Collaboration Nation.'
Contact Mary at mnabers@spartnerships.com.
