Vermont Adopts New Technology Outlook to develop a 21st Century Economy

Vermont Gov. Jim Douglas is proposing a major reorganization of how technology in state government is managed. The restructuring calls for a new Department of Information and Innovation headed by a commissioner under the Secretary of Administration.

Government Technology

"We need to adapt Vermont to a 21st century economy, and we should begin by creating a 21st century government," Douglas said. "Vermont ranks last in digital government according to a recent study. That means state government is doing things less efficiently than it could, less conveniently than it could, and it is doing those things at greater expense than it should. It’s no wonder Vermonters are frustrated."

The governor plans to give the Commissioner of Innovation and Information the authority to provide strategic direction, oversight, and accountability for all activities related to technology within state government. His proposal would centralize state communications and computer services within the department to create efficiencies across the enterprise and implement advances to allow government to better serve the people.

He also plans to bring together talent from outside of government to initiate a review of how government can function better, utilize technological advances and improve systems and services.

"Government could use a little private sector sensibility, and this review will help accomplish that," said Douglas.

Office of Gov. Jim Douglas