Merriam Webster defines a trend as: to veer in a new direction. In 2013 government certainly veered into uncharted territory. The White House unveiled two new mandates that changed the way government protects and shares data. They also opened up the White House to leaders from the private sector to jump-start innovation. Libraries, on the brink of extinction by a robust e-book market have re-invented themselves and North Carolina took a big step forward in the way governments procure new technologies.
All of these innovative trends set a course for a sleeker, leaner and more efficient government, that is why GovLoop named them the Trends of 2013 in our latest guide: 20 Innovations that Mattered in 2013.
We picked these trends for their impact not just on 2013 but on the future of government. They truly have the power to transform the way government operates.
The 5 Biggest Trends of 2013:
Number One Trend of 2013: Cybersecurity Executive Order
- Achievement: President Obama’s long awaited executive order on cybersecurity was released in February during his State of the Union address. Along with the Executive Order, “Improving Critical Infrastructure: Cybersecurity,” the administration also released a companion policy directive for federal agencies that provides a framework for agencies to implement the new cybersecurity requirements.
Number Two Trend of 2013: Open Data Directive
- Achievement: For the first time the government has an official definition of open data. In May, the President mandated that the data should be fully described, fully accessible, standardized and fully downloadable and should be made public whenever possible. Agencies were also directed to move towards this definition of open data for all their new systems. Finally, agencies were required to review data that is in their existing systems to move it from inaccessible to accessible.
Number Three Trend of 2013: Second Round, Presidential Innovation Fellows
- Achievement: In June, the White House published the list of the second round of Presidential Innovation Fellows. The 43 fellows include engineers, entrepreneurs, computer scientists and designers, all tasked with developing solutions to improve lives, save tax dollars and create jobs. The fellows are launching five new projects and sustaining the five existing projects started by the first class of innovation fellows.
Number Four Trend of 2013: Libraries Re-Imagined
- Achievement: These days, libraries aren’t just repositories for thousands of books; they have adapted with the times to be a hub of technology, too. People with very low incomes don’t have access to digital technology in their homes. However, the reality is you can’t apply for a job today without going online to do it. “Libraries have adapted to help people get online and understand how to fill out a job application, “ said Ron Carlee in an interview on the DorobekINSIDER.
Number Five Trends of 2013: iCenter
- Achievement: The North Carolina’s new iCenter houses technology demos from across the state so that agencies can try new technologies before buying them. Think of it like a Best Buy. You can come and test out new products and services before making a purchase. For example, say North Carolina’s DMV wants to buy new tablets. The IT team for the DMV can head over to the iCenter to try out different models before buying them.
For more on all of these innovative programs download our guide: 20 Innovations that Mattered in 2013.
Do you think there was a more buzzworthy trend? Let us know in the comment section.