Ohio swore in its newest governor, Republican Mike DeWine, on Monday.
One of the initiatives on his docket? The Innovate Ohio project, which will be led by fellow Republican Lt. Governor Jon Husted.
"Technology is changing the way we live and the economy we live in," the website for the program states. "The people and states that successfully adapt to that change will be the ones that prosper, the states and people who don’t will fall behind. The DeWine-Husted administration is committed to leading an aggressive, innovate path to build a better Ohio."
The plan encompasses a few elements. Simply, "Innovate Ohio is about how we make state government a more effective and efficient leader in using technology to improve customer service and save tax dollars," the website states. "In doing so, we make Ohio a state that attracts talent, business and new investment."
Specifically, it will create the SmartOhio Operating System, which is a data-sharing and predictive analytics for state departments.
There are also plans to establish an advisory council of Ohio-based tech and business leaders, with a goal of helping the state improve customer service. Similarly, there's also a desire to create a first-of-its kind public/private partnership that would involve the private sector helping the government update its data sharing solutions, thus improving the way public services are delivered.
These ideas just scratch the surface of the plan, which includes creating a "competition of ideas to support innovation research," better procurement, opportunity zones and more.
In addition to the goals outlined in the project, Innovate Ohio hopes that the project will ultimately bolster Ohio as a state leading the way in the coding and computer science fields, as well as help modernize classrooms and alert job seekers about the opportunities they need.
Those active in the tech ecosystem are intrigued by the project.
"Innovation that transforms existing industries and creates new ones is key to Ohio having a vibrant future, so we're happy to see this focus," said Bill Baumel, managing director at the Ohio Innovation Fund. "We particularly applaud the e-government portion of the program that looks to provide better, more convenient, and more efficient services for Ohio's taxpayers."
"Initiatives to remove government barriers to innovation in the private sector are welcome, along with support for early stage innovation companies in a cash-efficient manner that provides the most bang for Ohio taxpayers' bucks," he continued. "Specifically, technology training in our classrooms and fast, impactful certificate programs for adults will help provide the workforce that Ohio needs for the industries and jobs of the future. In terms of industries, continued support of innovative med-tech research will further enhance Ohio's competitive position in this key area."
