States face challenges to standardize data governance, says Beeck Center

While state governments are pushing forward with digital upgrades, such as to how they use data, technology and online services, a new resource from the Beeck Center for Social Impact and Innovation at Georgetown University shows that most still face significant challenges in standardizing data governance.

According to the State of State Digital Transformation, an interactive map that allows policymakers and researchers to explore the policies and tools states are using to aid how they provide services, executive orders and legislation play key roles, but few states have the resources to make major leaps forward.

For instance, the map notes that “84% of states and territories have passed at least one executive order on digital transformation since 2013,” with a significant number of policies focused on cybersecurity and IT. Despite this momentum, the research also warns that many government digital offices still lack strong authority, dedicated staff or significant funding for change on a larger scale.

Still, the Beeck Center’s new map shows that states are trying to improve how digital policies are designed, how state agencies work together and building public trust in how governments use data.

“What we present here is not definitive but directional—a map of a shifting terrain that we will update and expand as our research and understanding grows,” the Beeck Center website reads.