Modernizing IT Infrastructure for State and Local Government: A Review of Challenges and Opportunities

Government agencies that rely on legacy systems and hardware struggle to meet citizens’ needs. Outdated IT infrastructure poses significant challenges ranging from increased risk of cyber vulnerabilities to inefficient and reactive processes.

In an increasingly digital world, constituents expect fast, smooth and safe digital interactions.  By modernizing IT infrastructure, public sector organizations can harness the opportunities of the digital era to better meet their constituents’ needs.

Challenges Of Digital Transformation In The Public Sector

It’s no secret the public sector lags behind the private sector in the digital age. In a Deloitte study, nearly 70% of surveyed government officials said that their digital investment fell short of private sector capabilities. Fiscal constraints, staffing shortages, and outdated infrastructure all leave government agencies at a disadvantage.

Unclear IT Strategies And Outdated Infrastructures

Implementing an IT improvement strategy requires a clear plan that aligns with the organization’s mission, goals and areas for improvement.

Public sector organizations need a focused IT strategy that takes into account data storage, service delivery, and information flow.

Data Silos And Business Intelligence

Data analytics can transform public sector service delivery. Unfortunately, many agencies struggle to manage siloed data and draw decision-making information from raw data.

It’s important to increase data flow in a secure manner. Eliminate vulnerabilities in data management systems and implement business intelligence to maximize the value of public sector data.

Lack Of Agility, Flexibility, And Inclusivity

In order to modernize IT infrastructure, state and local governments must prioritize agility and flexibility. The ability to adapt to changing circumstances and integrate emerging technologies will maximize the investment in infrastructure.

However, public sector agencies must also focus on inclusivity throughout the digital transformation. Infrastructure must meet the needs of a diverse group of constituents, including those with fewer digital skills.

Creating Efficient And Future-Ready Foundations To Tackle Evolving Demands

How can state and local governments modernize their IT infrastructure in an efficient, future-ready way? As public demands and digital technologies advance, building a solid foundation will set government agencies up for success.

The public sector cannot take advantage of digital opportunities without considering key issues like digital priorities, IT security, and working environments.

Reposition Digital Priorities And Design Principles

What do constituents want? State and local governments must consider their digital priorities with the public in mind. Understanding the public’s needs will improve engagement.

 In addition, digital design must align with public expectations. Instead of dated, lagging interfaces, the public wants modern, secure digital architecture. Bridging the gap between the public’s needs and wants can pose a challenge – but it also offers an opportunity to boost participation and public trust.

Build Modern Collaboration Platforms

Collaborative platforms can bring a community together and encourage investment in joint projects. And in the public sector, collaboration platforms let government agencies integrate services and share data.

Rather than treating public safety, community services, and public health as separate, a collaborative approach makes it easier for the public to access information and services.

Shared tools make it easier for government agencies to work together to solve common challenges. Sharing software licenses between departments can save money. And shared security planning can mean more secure systems. What’s more, collaboration platforms can improve efficiency on a limited budget.

Ensure Digital Practices Enable Productive And Flexible Working Environments

Government agencies cannot provide effective services without a productive work environment. IT infrastructure can improve digital practices for public sector employees.

Since the pandemic, a growing number of workplaces have shifted to remote work. This improves flexibility for employees, particularly younger generations that bring strong digital skills to the workforce.

 Investing in tools like secure remote connectivity and shared services can boost productivity and promote flexibility in the workplace.

Without updated IT infrastructure, public sector organizations will struggle with data security and performance. Fortunately, by optimizing information technology systems, agencies can boost their effectiveness and keep sensitive data more secure.

Building a Compelling Case for Technical Debt Cleanup

As soon as technology leaders understand what’s working and what isn’t, they must work to shoulder and convince cross-functional business stakeholders, many of whom have other priorities, that debt cleanup is critical and necessary for continued operations.

Rather than focusing on “technology debt” and the toll it takes on IT teams, communicate the business outcomes that would result from fixing the issues.

Program leaders and administrators must be persuaded that current ways of working are inefficient and IT investments will deliver a significant jump in return on investment (ROI) and improve overall business value, including organizational agility, a better user experience and better delivery of citizen services.

It is critical for IT leadership to work proactively with each area of functional leadership to identify individual technical debts and demonstrate the ROI of moving to modern systems. Developing a technology roadmap that shows incremental value, delivers small wins and justifies continued effort can build on this momentum.

Establish Models Of Working Fit For The Future

Is your organization ready to modernize its IT infrastructure and use technology more strategically? Hartman Executive Advisors specializes in IT strategy for state and local governments. Contact Hartman today to learn more about how we’ve helped government agencies modernize their IT and align it with their business goals.