State government should be technology leader

Chuck Cliburn and Dominic Calabro

Technology has changed every aspect of our lives in many direct and tangible ways.

Industry makes huge investments in technology that end up making life better and more convenient for all of us.

But for governments and policymakers, the value of technology is often misunderstood and under-appreciated.

Governments do not have to invest in innovative ways of doing things to keep your business. There is generally no penalty for government when it lags behind.

Some governments, though, realize the value of making it easier for citizens and businesses to interact with them. Some realize that innovative processes can attract industry, better jobs and more visitors. These governments tend to view technology as an investment in making their state a better place to live and conduct business. Regrettably, others tend to view technology as an expense and endless fertile ground for cost-cutting for the next budget year.

Our state government has pockets of emerging leadership in technology, but far too many that are still hesitant to make the investments necessary to modernize Florida systems. Some of our critical state systems are decades old. There is a somewhat apathetic view toward innovation and a general sense that the fewer things you try to do, the greater the chances of not failing.

It is time for our state government to recognize and acknowledge the tremendous amount of talent and technology investment that is currently driving every industry in Florida.

Our Legislature wisely created the Agency for State Technology a few years ago to lead this needed change. Its structure was a good beginning to lead our state to modern, citizen-friendly systems.

Unfortunately, the agency was not originally given the full responsibility, authority or funding necessary to make substantial changes. Rather than being further empowered, its original mandate and charter have been challenged and reduced. Further devaluation of technology leadership in our state will only ensure that Florida remains woefully behind, and sorely lacking in terms of the taxpayers’ return-on-investment. Our taxpayers deserve better.

We call on our new administration to commit to a technology purpose. We need a fresh look at how we will do things in the future, unshackled by the way we have done things in the past. It is time to begin this discussion in a serious manner and to turn the discussion into action.

Contact your legislator today and ask them if they support making Florida a technological leader.