Survey: State IT departments’ clout grew with recession
State information technology (IT) departments’ role in dealing with fiscal shortfalls and providing better service to residents during the economic downturn have increased their political clout, according to a survey by the Lexington, Ky.-based National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO). The survey of state government chief information officers (CIOs), released Tuesday, found that 2011 saw the IT work environment change according to “four Cs” — clout, change, collaboration and consolidation.
NASCIO’s “New C4 Agenda: Perspectives and Trends from State Government IT Leaders” found that CIOs are speeding up consolidation of state IT services to achieve savings and meet a need for enterprise-wide IT services. They also are playing greater roles in health IT, a major factor in state-funded healthcare delivery systems and services, including Medicaid. “Governors want state CIOs to be leaders and experts in IT services and policy issues. They want CIOs’ ideas for better program results and cost savings,” said NASCIO Executive Director Doug Robinson in a statement. “Elected officials are learning that IT services and budgets need enterprise oversight and governance in order to produce better, more cost-effective services.”
Survey respondents also report increased investments in cloud computing. Three-quarters of CIOs say cloud computing alters their roles by creating opportunities for change or by shifting perceptions that they provide mostly support. Security issues surrounding cloud computing remain a concern.
Download the entire survey.
