At the State of Colorado, digital transformation is not just a buzz phrase: it means creating digital touchpoints and ease of use at every interaction citizens have with the state. Credit: Thinkstock Every year or two, the IT industry introduces a powerful idea that turns business models on their heads. In the 1990s, the idea was “Information Highway,” then it was the “Information Superhighway” and more recently it was “Cloud First and Disruptive Technology.” But right now the big buzz is about “digital transformation.” At the State of Colorado, we know if we don’t take that concept and run with it, we’ll be left behind. Our digital transformation means creating success for our citizens at every digital touchpoint. It means making lines shorter at the Division of Motor Vehicles. It means making medical, food and cash assistance readily available for those most in need. It means creating ease of use at every interaction a citizen has with the state. Some of the challenges in the public sector, of course, are legacy technologies and lack of funding. But these will be constants in the near future (unless we win the lottery), so we have to get scrappy. We need to leverage what we have and invest wisely in what’s to come. Whatever we do, we will not be left behind. Whether you’re in government or the private sector, digital transformation is the new expectation. Our society expects mobile apps, information at its fingertips, and for all of its information to be held securely as people conduct digital business with the state. So we must deliver. And it’s not just about customer service: it’s also about using tax dollars wisely to streamline processes. The thing about digital transformation is that those who are truly evolved in this area aren’t necessarily IT organizations: it’s the businesses that are thinking outside the box with their technology. Uber is a taxi service that doesn’t own a car. Airbnb is a bed and breakfast that doesn’t own property. So we need to be thinking — how do we get in that game from a public sector perspective? We’ve already begun in Colorado. We have innovative agencies that have apps that give traffic updates, others that tell customers where to find farmers’ markets and vineyards and another that allows Medicaid recipients to check on their accounts. But our Digital Transformation has just begun. It’s not a buzz phrase. It’s our goal for the citizens of Colorado. Related content opinion Customer service: The proof is in the numbers Customer satisfaction increases when you find your greatest weaknesses and then hone in with a laser focus to address them. By Suma Nallapati Aug 17, 2015 2 mins Government IT IT Leadership opinion Women in technology: Inspiring paths forward The statistics can sound depressing -- men outpace women when it comes to holding senior leadership positions in IT and they continue to earn more than women. Additionally, statistics show women face an uphill battle from other women just as much as By Suma Nallapati Jun 16, 2015 2 mins Careers IT Leadership opinion Nuclear physics and a quantum leap for technology The possibilities are endless By Suma Nallapati Mar 30, 2015 3 mins Technology Industry Innovation opinion What Yoga Taught Me About Customer Buy-In It's all in the approach: stretching your communication skills to engage your IT customers. By Suma Nallapati Feb 18, 2015 3 mins CIO Small and Medium Business IT Strategy Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe