When you start into digital modernization, improvement opportunities are plentiful. And accomplishing one just seems to sprout three or four more. You'll want to do some homework before you jump in, because it clearly pays to choose wisely as you modernize. This year's GTA-hosted Technology Summit aims to equip you to do just that.

The 2023 virtual summit set for May 16 will focus on key dimensions of digital transformation. Industry and government experts will address:

This summit is directed toward business leaders as well as technology professionals from Georgia agencies. Speakers will help you prioritize among the many opportunities for digital transformation, and then mobilize to make it happen. The virtual format allows easy networking with colleagues too.

I expect summit speakers will make the point, digital transformation is no short sprint. You're in it for the long haul. You pace yourself, avoid detours, and you innovate en route. We’ll discuss it at the event next week, and we look forward to your participation.

On another topic, we’re pleased to announce the honorees in this year’s GTA-sponsored Technology Innovation Showcase. Each year we recognize projects from Georgia’s state and local government entities propelled by innovative and impactful IT. We also celebrate the people behind those efforts. See details in an article below, and join me in congratulating all the honorees. When you read about their projects, you may want to borrow an idea or two. (Go ahead – they won’t mind.)

Technology Showcase taps a rich reserve of innovative IT

AI-enabled web capabilities at GOVTalks 2023

GTA broadband team stares into the digital divide

Briefly … Cloud-first, Cloud training, CoreView, TAG award

When business improvements are the objective, technology and the IT team are often the means. Georgia’s state and local government entities have found a wellspring of reward in innovative application of technology. That’s just the kind of work recognized by the GTA-sponsored Technology Innovation Showcase. The 2023 showcase honorees prove there’s plenty of water in the well.

Learn more about each of these efforts on GTA’s 2023 showcase projects webpage.

This year’s GOVTalks conference, presented by GTA’s Digital Services Georgia team and sponsored by Ivy.ai, will untangle some of the tangle created by the transformative AI technology GPT. And while artificial intelligence earns top billing at the May 23 virtual event, it’s hardly the only thing on the menu.

Topics for the 2023 edition of GOVTalks include:

Register for the GOVTalks conference, now in its 10th year, via DSGa’s website. The event is open to employees at all Georgia state and local government entities and educational institutions. Topics are keyed toward team members involved in strategizing, creating or delivering their organization’s digital content for websites and other applications. Through the GOVTalks seminar, DSGa promotes top-notch web presence built around user-centric content.

GTA’s broadband team continues to conduct listening sessions and stakeholder meetings in communities all across Georgia. The dual purpose of those sessions – to acquaint community members with broadband-related resources available to them, and to hear from communities about their broadband experience. That input is invaluable in shaping state programs that best serve Georgia’s broadband needs.

Building on themes from the listening sessions, GTA is now partnering with more than 75 local companies and organizations dedicated to closing the digital divide. Together, they’re promoting the federal Affordable Connectivity Program among Georgians. ACP can provide a $30/month benefit to help eligible low-income households afford high-speed internet service. But statistics show that only a fraction of those eligible have enrolled. The non-profit EducationSuperHighway reports that more than 1M eligible Georgia households have not enrolled. GTA hopes to help mobilize communication outlets, community leaders and others to spread the word about the program.

GTA is also surveying local and regional government representatives to gather their invaluable knowledge of factors affecting broadband access in the communities they serve. Those factors could range from infrastructure to policies and programs, as well as other variables playing into internet access and affordability challenges. The surveys are accessible through May 15 on the Georgia Broadband Program portal on GTA’s website. Community organizations and area employers are also invited to provide input. And internet service providers aren’t left out. They’re asked for input about broadband service expansion strategies, partnerships with communities, and more.