INDIANAPOLIS – The State of Indiana has again been heralded as a frontrunner in digital government efficiency and innovation, securing a finalist position in the Center for Digital Government’s (CDG) prestigious annual Government Experience Awards. The awards recognize the achievements of states, cities, and counties that have raised the bar on the experience of government services to create a better, more engaged constituency and a more responsive government.
This is the 10th* consecutive year that Indiana has been recognized as a national leader in digital government – one of only two states (Utah) to obtain this achievement. Over the past year, the State improved the digital experience by being the first to launch a full-site, generative artificial intelligence chatbot covering all information available on www.in.gov. The chatbot, still in beta development, helps site visitors more easily find information about state government without knowing which agency provides a particular service. In the answers, the chatbot provides citations so users can check the work and go to the source material on an agency webpage.
Additionally, led by the Indiana Office of Technology (IOT), the State improved the accessibility of nearly 500 of the most used PDFs on in.gov, making them readable to everyone. Indiana continues expanding the number of services – now almost 150 – to Hoosiers through Access Indiana, the State’s single sign-on, meaning they can get these services with one simple login.
IOT has also engaged with local governments across the state to improve their digital experience and cybersecurity. More than 100 local governments have deployed or are developing websites provided by IOT. This leads to a better and unified constituent experience across levels of government while also saving local governments money that can be reinvested into other programs.
“We are incredibly proud to be acknowledged again by the Center for Digital Government,” said Tracy Barnes, Indiana’s Chief Information Officer. ” This award reflects our unwavering commitment to enhancing the digital experience for all Hoosiers. Our goal remains to simplify government for citizens and employees by ensuring it is accessible, efficient, and user-friendly.”
“2024 was marked by AI’s role in augmenting the government experience,” said Dustin Haisler, President of e.Republic. “While emerging technologies enhanced many experiences, it was not able to see leading agencies continue their human-centered approaches to service delivery and management are at the beginning of a new era where agencies must now focus on building the infrastructure to support the multiple paths and technologies constituents will use to interface with their government.”
*After being named the top state in 2019, Indiana was ineligible for the 2020 competition.
