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Exploring the Future of State Technology: Takeaways from the NASTD 2024 Annual Conference

By David Allen

Exploring the Future of State Technology: Takeaways from the NASTD 2024 Annual Conference
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Last week, I attended the National Association of State Technology Directors (NASTD) 2024 Annual Conference in Minneapolis, MN. This premier event brings together state technology directors, industry experts, and vendors to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and innovations in state technology. The conference fosters the exchange of ideas and best practices essential for addressing shared challenges and driving innovation.

Insights & Key Takeaways

  1. Top Priorities for State CIOs: Key focus areas include digital government services, legacy modernization, cybersecurity and risk management, and workforce transformation. Legacy modernization is particularly crucial as CIOs work to reduce legacy debt and foster innovation within current budget constraints.
  2. AI & Generative AI: States are developing AI governance policies focusing on data quality, privacy, and security. AI is expected to impact digital citizen services and cybersecurity operations. While many are still in the proof-of-concept phase, current uses include chatbots, office productivity, and code development. Significant roadblocks to expanded use are perceived risk, staff knowledge, and budget issues.
  3. Accessibility: New accessibility rules released in April have increased requirements, with compliance expected by 2026. Discussions emphasized approaching these requirements as a “want to” rather than a “have to,” reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and recognizing the potential of this important community segment.
  4. Cybersecurity Initiatives: Primary concerns include endpoint detection, cybersecurity awareness training, and identity and access management. Key risks are ransomware attacks and phishing. The advancement of machine learning by adversaries adds new elements to these threats, increasing the urgency for robust cybersecurity plans.

Attending the NASTD 2024 annual conference was a fantastic opportunity to witness our state technology leaders’ professionalism and thought leadership. The event underscored the critical need for legacy modernization, high-quality data, and responsible AI implementation. Reach out to UDig to discuss how we can contribute to your success!

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About David Allen

David is a State Government Lead at UDig. David has served as a client executive in the private sector and the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for Georgia. He brings a wealth of knowledge to his role, addressing the unique challenges faced by state agencies. David’s dedication to government service and mission-driven work is evident in his distinguished career and military service.

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