Illinois Recognized as Top Tech Employer and for Achievement of Technology Enhancements

SPRINGFIELD, IL – It’s Information Technology Month and the Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT) is highlighting the state’s digital transformation and the positive impact on state operations.

The agency, established by Governor Rauner in 2016 through Executive Order, is charged with building an enterprise IT organization for the State of Illinois to improve government efficiencies through innovation, enable state agencies to more effectively serve Illinois citizens and improve the overall cybersecurity of the state.

“Our teams have made it a priority to modernize technology, so we can work smarter and protect the personal information of our hardworking citizens,“ said Governor Bruce Rauner. “Over the past couple of years, staff at DoIT has been focused on upgrading old, antiquated systems that had been neglected for decades and bringing our state into the 21st Century.”

Illinois ranks 5th in the nation when it comes to tech employment, adding more than 437,000 people to the state’s workforce and about $45 billion dollars to the state’s overall economy, according to the 2018 Cyberstates study, published by CompTIA.

DoIT teams are building a strong defense for the state, with a focus on enhancing cybersecurity and protecting sensitive information for all employees and citizens of Illinois. More than 46,000 state employees have received cyber awareness training and nearly six billion records have already been secured, as part of the State of Illinois Cybersecurity Strategy, which was released in 2017.

Through the multi-agency blockchain Initiative, DoIT worked with DCEO, DPFR and others to explore distributed ledger technology and evaluate how to capitalize on opportunities for the state. Several practical uses are being explored including health provider registries and continuing education tracking. As a result, the state received the Illinois Capital Innovation Award for Government Solutions for its advancements with blockchain in the public sector.

DoIT is also helping local jurisdictions build up their digital systems and save money through its Smart State initiatives. Earlier this year, DoIT introduced a Smart Street Lighting Program that will allow municipalities to utilize the state’s master contract to find qualified and competitive street lighting vendors to save money and offer more functionality for their communities.

“We’ve made impressive strides with advancing technology in Illinois,” said DoIT’s Acting Secretary, Kirk Lonbom. “Emerging technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, and data analytics hold great promise as Illinois strives to become the first ‘Smart State’ in the nation.”

And, thanks to DoIT technicians and engineers, Illinois residents and businesses have more access to state websites and services on their mobile devices, going from mobility of only 3 percent in 2016 to over 50 percent currently.

DoIT continues on an accelerated digital transformation and modernization strategy to improve technology in Illinois. DoIT announces IT milestones that have been accomplished in Illinois, as well as what lies ahead for the state through news found on DoIT’s website.