How a government agency can utilize newer technology methods

Anthony M. Joy, Chief Information Officer, Cleveland Metro Parks

Anthony M. Joy, Chief Information Officer, Cleveland Metro Parks

The role and use of technology in government agencies sometimes appears stagnant from its users, but more recently, these same agencies are leaders in utilizing newer technology methods. Governments are now becoming more transformational in how they deploy, use, and secure new technologies. However, for a government agency to begin moving forward, it’s essential that the agency has a strong foundation.

As with any organization, leadership is key to begin deploying new technologies. A city, state, park, or other government entity can’t move forward without leadership that is invested in technology. Fortunately, many elected officials and appointed officials are becoming more technological savvy and want to ensure success. If leadership isn’t involved, it still doesn’t mean it’s a lost cause. This just means the technology leader may have to do more convincing using other peer examples, case studies, and pilot programs to prove success. Although many info tech (IT) departments are still struggling to keep and find roles following COVID, these could be opportunities. Government entities need to embrace automation not only in other government roles that are beginning harder to fill, but IT ones as well.

The process of collaborating and using teamwork is one of the best ways to ensure success. Sometimes having multiple agencies involved may slow things down, but the team must decide which entity might be slowing the process and move in a different direction. Government agencies are unique in that they can share resources (people, projects, etc.) oftentimes more easily than the corporate world. Although you may not find much synergy between Apple and Google, those corporate rules don’t apply for government. Councils of Government (COGs) can represent multiple government agencies that share a common goal or purpose. If other local agencies share common goals, start a simple committee, and see where it can grow.

Partnerships are another way of moving forward but choosing the right one is key. If anyone looks at their own local community, they will certainly find a local organization that has deep roots in the area or is a key economic driver in the community. Although these are great places to start, technological partnerships are global. A local park agency may partner with a company in Europe, or a local government may deal with a national provider of telecommunications equipment. The goal in developing a partnership is finding a shared theme. These partnerships can be as small as discussions, pilot studies, but can eventually lead to other funding opportunities. Some government entities get weary of public/private partnerships but ones that find ways to work are often more successful.

Government agencies want to move fast to be transformational, but it’s imperative that every IT leader ensure proper security. Some agencies moved too fast and ignore security leading to ransomware and other malicious attacks. Always engage your own security staff or outside services to ensure that anything being deployed is secured. When new systems or sites are brought online, it’s also an invitation to malicious actors who may want to prey on what has changed.

“The process of collaborating and using teamwork is one of the best ways to ensure success.”

One ardent topic for many governmental agencies is IoT (internet of things) projects. Many entities are already using these technologies whether they are light sensors, air quality detection, cameras, gunshot detection, traffic/people counters, and much more. Many of these systems can often be expensive which run directly on fiber, cellular, or WiFi, but the accelerated use of LoRoWAN can now run some of those IoT initiatives on a larger scale with a smaller budget. Working with local colleges, schools, or partnering with water or energy departments can increase the use of these technologies into a larger data dashboard that can be used for various purposes by multiple agencies.

The use of extended reality (XR) with the use of virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) can also be utilized. For example, Cleveland Metroparks in Ohio piloted a virtual reality program, but partnered with local health institutions. Cleveland Metroparks created virtual reality content of nature-based experiences. Those experiences were loaded to a headset and then sent to cancer treatment centers where patients can feel more relaxed as they go through treatment. The program can also be used for ADA accessibility options and educational programs as well. Other future technologies that are being discussed in government are blockchain, NFT’s and the metaverse. Although there are programs being done like Miami Coin, the metaverse is a definite opportunity for growth and advancement. As an example, the metaverse is relatively new, and is presently defining itself. Government agencies shouldn’t wait to be invited to these discussions, but should begin to experiment and create small pilot programs to investigate these technologies.

Overall, agencies should not wait for partnerships or collaboration to come to them, but rather seek them out. The number of opportunities, programs, and ideas come every day. An agency may not need a dedicated person, just forming a small task force compromised of different departments might be enough to inch forward. There are many examples of these leaders doing just that, and the next example might just be yours.