GTA - Georgia Technology Authority

09/26/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/26/2024 08:28

Georgia earns A grade on national Digital States Survey

September 26, 2024

Georgia earns A grade on national Digital States Survey

Georgia achieved an A grade in the 2024 Digital States Survey conducted by the Center for Digital Government. Georgia was one of only nine states to earn the highest grade possible for their use of technology to serve citizens.

Georgia has built an impressive string of scores in the biennial survey, having received an A in 2022, 2020, and 2018 and an A- in 2016 and 2014. According to the survey criteria, an A grade requires very strong innovation and high performing solutions, and excellent practices in all aspects of operations, governance, and administration.

"An A grade in the Digital States Survey isn't achieved overnight," said Georgia CIO and GTA Executive Director Shawnzia Thomas. "It isn't awarded on the strength of only a few agencies harnessing technology. Without collaboration and shared commitment, it doesn't happen, period. An A for Georgia is an A for everyone in state government. I'm honored by that distinction, and I look forward to the challenge of proving we continue to be A material in technology-fueled government efficiency."

Georgia also received an Outstanding Achievement Award in the category of Workforce Planning, which recognizes the state's processes and plans developed to address the need for a skilled technology workforce today and into the future.

Begun 27 years ago, the Digital States Survey helps benchmark state government use of digital technologies to improve service delivery, increase capacity, and reach policy goals.

"Our 2024 survey results reveal that states share similar top priorities, including cybersecurity, constituent engagement/experience, AI/machine learning, IT staffing, application modernization, and data governance," said Teri Takai, senior vice president of the Center for Digital Government. "It is also great to see the list of emerging best practices coming from the states based on their increased focus on human-centered approaches to service delivery, data-driven programs, and incorporation of new technologies."

The Digital States Survey evaluated states' efforts in 11 areas: aligned leadership, constituent digital experience, continuous innovation, cyber risk management, data governance and use, workforce planning, IT investment management, resilience, enterprise computing and broadband expansion, and business process alignment. The full results of the survey can be found on the Government Technology website.