A new publication breaks down the progress of digital transformation in each state and features an interactive map of the United States. The State of State Digital Transformation from the Beeck Center features research on how states modernize government operations and services. They share the “most active” states – those states scoring yes for five or more of the six categories that measure digital transformation. The report also provides important high-level takeaways; eighty-two percent of states or territories, for example, passed at least one executive order related to digital transformation since 2013. “This tool makes it faster and easier for public servants, policymakers, practitioners, and researchers to glean insights from our research into how states are approaching their digital transformation journeys,” explain the authors of the November 12 report.
Other key metrics include:
“By serving as the front door to several strands of Beeck Center research,” the authors of the report explain, “users can explore the policies, teams, tools, and tactics shaping how states approach digital transformation. Rather than ranking states or declaring ‘winners,’ the map is a starting point for learning about and comparing important dimensions of high-quality digital delivery work in government.”
The Beeck Center research highlighted in the interactive map includes:
For Montana, for example, the overview includes the following digital transformation scorecard for that state:
Executive orders: 3
AI Legislation: 0
Digital Services Team: No
Chief Data Officer: Yes, State CDO
Digital Services Impact Reports: No
Design System: No
The overviews enable the user to drill down even further into the data. For example, for Montana, if you click Executive Orders, you see EOs for 2025, 2015 and 2013, with information and links for those.
According to the assessment, the following states received the top scores for their digital transformation efforts:
U.S. senators introduced legislation to continue the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP); the federal program supports cybersecurity improvements across state, local, tribal and territorial governments. The State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program Reauthorization Act seeks to extend the initiative beyond the temporary authority granted under the existing continuing resolution, according to Government Technology on December 4. U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan and John Cornyn introduced legislation to reauthorize the program. In a press release, Senator Hassan stated that the program helps recipients continue to advance those cybersecurity initiatives in progress with the available resources. In a September 2 press release, the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) expressed their support for reauthorization of State and Local Cybersecurity Program. “This program has been instrumental in providing state and local governments with the resources they need to improve their cyber defenses and address critical threats. We encourage swift passage in both the House and Senate, accompanied by a robust appropriation to ensure that the progress that has been made through this program can continue.”
At the GovRAMP Cyber Summit 2025, panelists including Jeff Maxon, Chief Information Technology Officer for the Kansas Office of Information Technology Services emphasized that third-party relationships often shape both the origins and solutions of cybersecurity incidents. He explained “that’s where things like GovRAMP help. It takes the burden off of us for ensuring our vendors are doing the proper things.” A key takeaway from the November 6 Tales from the Cyber Frontline: foster strong communication and practice with partners before a crisis strikes. Leaders shared real-life experiences, highlighting both successes and failures. Panelists cited effective preparation, robust frameworks, and trusted collaboration as important for recovery.
Renee Moseley joined GL Solutions in 2016 with an educational and professional background in research and writing, along with software documentation. At GL Solutions she produces informative content to help regulatory agencies stay current on news and information that supports their success.
