Disruptive Technology that Could Transform Government-Citizen Relationships

William Gibson, the science fiction writer who coined the term “cyberspace,” once said: “The future is already here -- it’s just not very evenly distributed.” That may be exactly the way to look at the selection of disruptive technologies we have chosen to highlight in eight critical areas of government, ranging from public safety to health to transportation. Powerful combinations of digital, mobile, social, geographic and video innovations already are changing the public’s expectations and the services available. They just aren’t evenly distributed yet. And, of course, the pace of technological change is clearly accelerating. Can government agencies seize the opportunity and harness these innovations to become more efficient and responsive to citizens?