Hello there! The weather’s getting warmer, and the kids (and teachers) are eager for school to let out for summer … but the gov tech market never takes a vacation!

2024 Tech Trends

One of my annual must reads is the tech trends report from Future Today Institute — now in its 17th year. Amy Webb, the CEO, is a rock star and their annual report should be required reading for everyone who works with or is interested in technology. The report covers trends in several areas of society including energy and climate, health care, financial services, sports, hospitality and entertainment … just to name a few.

The research is spread across 16 reports, spanning a total of some 979 pages (!), so I’m only going to be able to hit some of the highlights … but you can visit their website and subscribe to obtain any or all of the reports you may be interested in reading.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

While AI advancements promise to reshape our world, emerging trends highlight unprecedented risks, underscoring the need for preparedness, governance and alignment.

COMPUTING

AI is changing what is possible in form factors, challenging underlying computing architecture. As AI facilitates more intuitive communication, the technology could blend more seamlessly into human experiences.

MOBILITY, ROBOTS AND DRONES

The rise of machines with improved battery technology that collect increasing data suggests a future where they supplement and replace human tasks, highlighting a shift towards a more efficient, increasingly monitored work environment.

The report also includes a helpful chart showing the near- and long-term relevance of each trend on particular industries:

In addition, the report covers a number of “uncertainties” — the first one represented by the question, “How quickly will AI revolutionize business, and in what ways?” Future Today Institute suggests asking the following questions when it comes to AI:

 

Center for Public Sector AI Is Live!

Speaking of which, as I mentioned in last month’s newsletter, Government Technology’s newest center, the Center for Public Sector AI, is now live!

The center is a critical resource for public agencies eager to explore the potential of AI technology, offering strategic guidance on AI policy, procurement and practical application to ensure that the public sector is fully prepared to adopt and implement AI in a responsible and effective manner.

Watch this 90-second video to learn a bit more about this new resource.

 

IT Leadership Updates

With 46 of the states about to end their fiscal years next month, here are a few recent personnel changes to keep up with:

Maryland: Natalie Evans Harris is the state’s new chief data officer; Jason Silva is the new deputy chief technology officer of platform services.

Mississippi: CIO David Johnson will retire at the end of June. A search for a permanent CIO and executive director of the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services is underway.

Montana: Katelyn Schaub will be acting as interim chief technology officer following the departure of Matt Van Syckle for the private sector.

North Dakota: Deputy CIO Greg Hoffman has been named interim CIO with the departure of Kuldip Mohanty at the end of May.

Ohio: Cleveland is looking for a new chief innovation and technology officer and has expanded the role to oversee two additional departments within the city: Urban Analytics and Innovation and Resident Experience and Support.

Oregon: Jackson County CIO/CISO Mark Decker is leaving public service but will remain as CISO until September to assist with the transition.

South Dakota: Longtime Chief Technology Officer Pat Snow is stepping down in June after nearly 28 years with the state.

See you next month!

P.S. If you missed the recent news, we unveiled a massive state IT vendor payment data integration into our SLED market intelligence tool, Industry Navigator. You can watch the announcement webinar on demand to learn more about this project and the tremendous value it brings to our members.