ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the role government plays in the use, research activities, adoption, and promotion of technology throughout society. It sets the stage for a greater appreciation and understanding of public management and information technology – how technology and public policy intersect at nearly every turn. The chapter points to key Congressional and Presidential actions that have helped shape technology policy in government. Emerging tech focusing on managing data, citizen-facing technologies, predictive analytics, and artificial intelligence are tools that have become essential for improved fact-based decision-making. The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) is an independent, nonpartisan agency that works with Congress. It is often referred to as the Congressional watchdog, as the GAO investigates how the federal government spends taxpayer dollars. Governmental institutions are desperately trying to keep up with the shift in citizen needs regarding the Internet and mobile devices.
