In 2024, local governments are expected to leverage emerging technologies at increased rates, such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and quantum computing. These emerging technologies will all enhance efficiency, transparency, and security across various departments in local government, overall doing a lot of good. AI-powered systems will be able to streamline administrative tasks and decision-making processes, while blockchain technology will be able to facilitate secure data management for government data.
Advancements like these in quantum computing promise unprecedented computational power, enabling governments to tackle complex problems with greater speed and accuracy than ever before. Overall, these technologies will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of governance, driving innovation, and improving public services for local communities nationwide.
As an official in your local government, it may feel difficult to navigate this landscape while also wanting to ensure that members of your community are put first. On the bright side, you are not alone in this struggle. Many local government officials face similar hurdles, from bureaucratic red tape to budget constraints, making the integration of new technology less and less seamless.
The new wave of technology can help in revolutionizing how local governments operate. Continue reading to see how your local government can capitalize on this tech wave.
What Is Considered Modern Technology?
Modern technology encompasses a large array of tools, systems, and innovations developed to enhance various aspects of human life. This includes everything from smartphones and computers, to advanced medical equipment and technology that takes advantage of renewable energy. The most recent technological advancement of course is artificial intelligence.
These technologies leverage all the knowledge and insights that IT experts have gained in the past few decades with a goal to improve day-to-day life for us. Modern technology encompasses the latest advancements and innovations in various fields, driven by scientific discoveries, engineering developments, and digital transformation.
Why You Should Stay On The Lookout For Emerging Tech?
Looking out for emerging technology is essential for local governments. Embracing change when it comes to technology can allow local governments to improve service to their constituents, engage these citizens, make more data driven decisions, modernize infrastructure, and promote sustainability and collaboration. All of these are ingredients that will contribute to a more resilient, stronger, and inclusive community. Here is a detailed list of reasons that you as a local government official should be on the lookout for emerging tech:
-
Cost Savings
Adopting emerging technologies can lead to cost savings for your local government. This can be achieved by automating processes, reducing resource consumption, and optimizing your available infrastructure. For example, predictive analytics can help optimize resource allocation in areas such as waste management and public transportation.
-
Enhanced Citizen Engagement
Modern technologies can help your local government engage with citizens more effectively and transparently. Tools such as mobile apps, social media platforms, and online portals can facilitate better communication, gather feedback, and involve residents in decision making.
Learn everything about The 5 Best Ways to Engage Constituents here.
5 Emerging Technologies To Look Out For In 2024
There are countless new forms of technology that seem to pop up on a regular basis. It can feel hard to keep track and know exactly what is a good idea to implement into your government. Here is a list of 5 emerging technologies for 2024, what they are, and how they can be implemented into your local government:
1. Quantum Computing
Quantum computing is an area of computing focused on utilizing the principles of quantum mechanics to perform operations on data in ways that standard computers are not able to. At its most basic, quantum computing exploits the properties of quantum bits, to perform computations rather than standard binary digits.
Quantum computing has the potential to revolutionize numerous areas, including drug discovery, science, and machine learning to allow for complex problems to be solved . Local government officials can look to utilize this technology to optimize resources and increase overall workflow within their departments.
Learn all about Going Digital With Infrastructure Funds here.
2. Blockchain Technology
Blockchain technology is a decentralized ledger system that records transactions across a network of computers in a secure way. Originally devised for the digital currency Bitcoin, this technology has been adapted for various applications.
Blockchain technology has applications far beyond cryptocurrencies. These areas include supply chain management, healthcare, finance, real estate and more. Its decentralized and fully transparent nature allows for increased efficiency. Local governments can look to blockchain technology to help them keep more efficient track of records, as well as make places like the clerk's department far more organized.
Learn how Government Blockchain and How Local Government Can Use Crypto.
3. Robotic Process Automation
Robotic Process Automation is a technology that allows organizations to automotive repetitive, rule-based tasks by using software “Bots” to emulate human interactions. These bots can perform a wide range of tasks, such as data entry, data manipulation, transaction processing, and communication with other digital systems
This is a great tool for local government officials to use. This can have positive impacts on cost savings and efficiency. Overall, robotic process automation can allow your local government to streamline operations, reduce errors, and free up your employees from mundane tasks so they can focus on higher-value activities.
4. Green Technologies
Green technologies, also known as sustainable or eco-friendly technologies, are innovations designed to mitigate or minimize environmental impact while meeting the needs of a community. These technologies aim to promote environmental sustainability by conserving resources, reducing pollution, and addressing climate change.
Local government officials can leverage green technologies in numerous different ways. By integrating green technologies and sustainability principles into their policies, programs, and operations, local government officials can play a crucial role in building more resilient, sustainable, and livable communities for their residents.
Read on to learn more regarding Embracing Green Infrastructure in The Public Sector.
5. AI-driven Personalization
AI-driven personalization refers to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to tailor products, services, content, and experiences to individual users' preferences, behaviors, and characteristics. It involves analyzing large amounts of data to understand user preferences and then delivering personalized recommendations, content, or experiences in real-time.
Local government officials can utilize this new tool in many different ways. AI driven personalization offers local government officials the opportunity to better understand and serve the needs of their community, improve operational efficiency, and foster greater engagement and participation in local government processes. It is essential for local government officials to prioritize transparency, privacy, and ethical considerations when implementing AI tools, to ensure citizen trust and compliance with data regulations.
How Can You Really Use It: Artificial Intelligence Applications For Your Office
Consider these common applications of artificial intelligence that can be used in offices everywhere, including yours! Learn about the item’s on this list, maybe they’re already being used in your office:
-
Automation Of Processes
Process automation refers to the automation of once-manual government processes such as submitting/reviewing permit applications. This improves the efficiency of your office workflows, saves your employees time, and keeps them from performing tedious tasks that can be automated and done fully digitally. Process automation should not be feared by employees, but instead should be fostered as it will not replace them, instead aid them in performing their responsibilities accurately and efficiently.
Check out Workflow Automation For Governments here!
-
Virtual Assistants
AI-powered virtual assistants like chatbots can handle routine tasks for your office such as scheduling meetings, answering common inquiries, and providing information to employees. These basic and common questions can all be answered immediately so that employees aren’t stuck waiting for answers; instead they receive specific specifications that can be programmed to fit your municipalities customizations.
-
Natural Language Processing (NLP)
Natural Language Processing, also commonly referred to as NLP, is a field of artificial intelligence that focuses on enabling computers to understand, interpret, and generate human language in a way that is useful and makes sense to the humans reading the NLP responses. NLP enables sentiment analysis of channels such as customer feedback, email responses, and search functionalities within your specific office databases.
-
Data Analytics
When it comes to using AI, one of the most useful and common ways to utilize it is for data analysis. Artificial intelligence has the ability to analyze large volumes of data to extract valuable insights to aid governments in strategic decision-making. Instances such as budget forecasts, constituent behavior patterns, and operational optimizations can all be improved within seconds with the use of AI.
Learn about Technology & Public Policy Trends Shaping the Public Sector here.
-
Document Management
Document management becomes so much easier with the help of AI. AI-powered document management systems can classify, index, and retrieve documents efficiently which is guaranteed to save time and reduce human error. With government management software and AI, your department will no longer have to waste hours searching for documents and files, instead they’ll all be safely stored and backed up in an easy to use online platform.
-
Automated Reporting
AI can automate the generation of reports by collecting and analyzing data from various sources, streamlining the reporting processes for your office and freeing up employees from manually performing analysis and reporting. These reports generated by AI also are typically more accurate and able to predict future patterns in a quicker and overall better way than human workers are able to.
How GovPilot Software Solutions Will Transform Your Government
GovPilot has solutions for all local government problems you face, and provides software solutions to modernize your municipal offices. Learn about our various software here:
City managers and administrators have important decisions to make, constituents to keep happy, and elected officials to report to. With GovPilot you can be responsive to your constituents while easily accessing the data you need to get the job done. Administration software automates forms and permitting across the department to streamline and simplify the review processes. Further, countless administrative tasks that are repetitive or take a long time can be instead done manually with software designed to organize your administration department.
Municipal and County Clerks' Software provides public-facing digital forms and automated workflows to the Clerk’s Department to make licensing, permitting, and request fulfillment more organized, efficient, and transparent. Common forms and paperwork are automated with this software such as FOIA Request Applications and Pet Licensing.
Code Enforcement Software helps your government inspect, issue violation notices, identify trends, ensure code compliance, and enhance your residents' quality of life with effortless digital efficiency. Modules for permitting and even concern reporting in your municipality are able to be routed directly to the appropriate department for review, to take the hassle out of interdepartmental communications or work silos.
Government Construction Software provides municipal employees with cloud-based construction permitting software that empowers local governments to review, approve, and track projects from start to finish. This fully digital system makes tracking all aspects of construction projects simple and organized on one online platform that all authorized personnel can access.
Read our guide on The Best Government Building and Construction Software here.
Health Department software is cloud-based inspection and permitting software designed to keep communities healthy and safe. The modules that make up Health Department software streamline all aspects of community health such as licensing, inspections and infrastructure updates. This vital department manages a lot for communities, as COVID-19 undoubtedly showed us, and this software can streamline their work, save time and decrease all of their manual efforts.
Read our 7 Tips for Modernizing Local Health Inspection Workflows!
Stay Up To Date With Emerging Tech Trends
Local government officials should be motivated to continue learning about upcoming tech trends. Staying up to date on the latest technology solutions and automated processes helps us all keep our operations modern and efficient. A recommendation to our readers would be looking into GovPilot government management software so you can take advantage of emerging technology solutions now. Book a consultation with GovPilot to learn more about how we can help you experience digital transformation!
Read On:
- Local Government Employee Appreciation Strategy: Employee Retention Tips What is Azure for Government? Everything to Know
- A Guide To SOC-2 Audits: Considerations for Local Governments from GovPilot
- 7 Government Cybersecurity Best Practices 2023: Keep Data Secure & Prevent Ransomware Attacks
- Government Cloud 2023: How Local Governments Can & Should Use the Cloud
- From Digital Animal Licenses to Pop-Up Rabies Clinics: How Your City Can Become More Pet-Friendly
- The Key To Managing Annual Licensing Renewals on Your Government Website
- The Benefits of Providing Employment and Skill Workshops For Citizens
