What is Govtech?
Definition of govtech
Govtech, or government technology, is modern technology and innovation that functions as the foundation for local governments seeking to serve and meet the expectations of their citizens and stakeholders.
An example of a govtech solution is multilingual closed captioning, which helps make information and engagement opportunities universally accessible regardless of language.
Govtech companies innovate and offer technology solutions to public sector organizations like cities, counties and state governments. Using an modernization approach, these companies provide the means (ex. software) for governments to improve, simplify, and/or optimize their processes, activities, and/or operations.
Why is technology in the government important?
Modernization (adopting govtech solutions) gives local government agencies a framework for meeting the dynamic challenges of the organization and community at large. Whether it be accessibility, security, or service provision, local governments have a wide array of considerations impacting the public and the bottom line.
Govtech increases the efficiency and insight of government processes by eliminating siloed or redundant solutions that have the potential to compete across the organization.
What are the four most common types of govtech?
The most common types of technology solutions found in a typical “govtech stack” include:
- Citizen engagement platforms and solutions
- Data analytics tools
- Administration and management systems
- Data storage and integration solutions
Examples of govtech solutions and their case study applications
Here is a brief rundown of each govtech solution type along with some real-life examples of communities using these solutions to solve common citizen engagement challenges.
Govtech for Citizen Engagement
Best practice citizen engagement platforms like PublicInput help foster public trust and meaningful civic engagement between local governments and the community.
See how the City of Raleigh harnessed participation using govtech for citizen engagement that increased accessibility and offered defensible decisions to leadership.
Govtech for Data Analytics
Govetech that enables local governments to analyze and interpret data in an easy-to-understand way helps local governments make reliable and defensible decisions.
Learn how the City of San Diego leveraged govtech to get a deeper understanding of community perceptions associated with the Parks Master Plan.
Govtech for Administration & Management Systems
Increased efficiency and solution focused integrations are key to effective enterprise management system solutions.
Govtech for Data Storage & Integration
The ability for local governments to track, store, collaborate, and report collected data strengthens transparency, accessibility and accountability.
Learn how the team at King County, WA used the PublicInput cloud-based platform to organize and engage residents who spoke over 10 different languages.
Govtech for Cybersecurity
Private businesses are not the only entities vulnerable to the evolving threats associated with cybersecurity. Govtech designed to protect sensitive data is one of the modernization efforts widely considered to be a mandatory investment.
As a SOC 2 Type II data secure company, PublicInput has taken additional measures to protect data integrity using the PublicInput Bot Shield technology. Check out how in a recent blog highlighting Bots, Spam, and Community Engagement.
What is the key difference between govtech vs IT for government?
An element of govtech, IT or Information Technology, is a part of communications technology that fits under the govtech umbrella. IT service offers computer based solutions to maintain, manage, and exchange data and information within a government organization. There are a variety of govtech companies that offer IT solutions ranging from email services to network security.
What local government technology trend has revolutionized best practice citizen engagement?
Virtual Accessibility
From virtual public meetings to online surveys and needs assessment, the business of citizen engagement has experienced a dramatic shift in operations. Benefits to a virtually accessible citizen engagement options include decreased barriers for those with disability, time, and transportation constraints.
Take a deeper dive into how local and state governments are looking beyond traditional citizen engagement processes to expand virtual and increase impact using PublicIhnput.
How to engage more citizens using government technologies
Engaging citizens requires a customized approach based on the needs and dynamics of a given community or project area. Govtech that supports local governments must therefore use citizen engagement approaches that reduce limitations based on a variety of factors including geographic location, work schedule, or even access to the internet.
PublicInput offers a govtech solution that eliminates silos and builds a system of record that matures with each engagement. Thoughtfully developed through the experiences gleaned by thousands of projects executed across the US and Canada, the PublicInput platform offers a variety of tools and tactics to help local governments engage more citizens including:
- Online public engagement portals for residents to find projects, meetings, and information (see a live public engagement portal here)
- Survey and interactive mapping tools
- Synchronized project email inboxes and voicemail hotlines
- Text message and email notifications
- Social media comment capture and targeted promotion
- Automated and customizable translation tools
- A census-integrated reporting and analysis suite
PublicInput, a Fully Integrated Govtech Solution
The PublicInput platform is the only fully integrated govtech solution for citizen engagement. Through the use of smart technology, local governments are empowered to simplify the citizen engagement process using concentrated tactical strategies.
With the PublicInput govtech solution, governments can listen, communicate, build momentum, collaborate (both virtually and in-person), and close the feedback loop with citizens. Find out how your community can benefit today!