Technology vs. Government

An insightful exploration of the interplay between technology and governance, Lloyd Levine's book serves as a guiding beacon for public officials navigating the digital age. Drawing upon real-world examples, Levine astutely unravels the complexities of integrating innovation into the public sector. I find this work not only timely but also indispensable for policy makers striving to ensure a modern, inclusive government for California and across the country.

-- Ambassador Eleni Kounalakis, Lieutenant Governor, State of California

Lloyd Levine's timely and compelling volume explores the complex relationship between public policy and administration, and the challenging world of government technology. He uses careful analysis and real-world examples to highlight the challenges and opportunities of using modern technology in policy making and government operations. His interdisciplinary approach and combination of research and practical experience make this book a must-read for anyone interested in the future of effective governance in the digital age.

-- Anil Deolalikar, Founding Dean Emeritus, UC Riverside School of Public Policy

Technology in government has long been thought to be a “back room” function meant to ensure that government runs. That is no longer true. Technology now provides an unprecedented opportunity to revolutionize government from IoT sensors transforming service delivery, to the ability to reach all constituents in a ubiquitous, equitable way. But it will take all of government - from the legislature to the executive branch - to come together to enact the policy and administrative changes to make it happen. This book is a both a blueprint for governments to follow and a cautionary tale of what can happen if they don’t.

-- Teri Takai, Executive Director, eRepublic Center for Digital Government; Former CIO, US Department of Defense; Former Secretary, California Technology Agency; Former CIO State of Michigan

Lloyd Levine and his colleagues have done the essential forensics on why governments so often get digital technology so wrong and why they blow it so often when they try to embrace these technologies. But take heart, because this book provides just the kind of prescriptive insights that policymakers and public administrators can adopt to exploit new, transformative technologies for good and effective purpose.

-- Lee Raine, Former Director, Internet & Technology Research at Pew Research Ce