The Meaning of Modernization Continues to Expand for CIOs
Route Fifty, Wednesday, September 30th, 2026
NASCIO's 2026 survey shows state CIOs expect more disruption and now treat modernization as business transformation, not just tech upgrades.
NASCIO's 2026 survey of 51 state and territorial CIOs found 90% expect more turbulence in their roles over the next five years, with 39 gubernatorial elections approaching.
CIOs from Texas and Florida described modernization as changing how government operates rather than upgrading hardware and software, with Florida weighing centralization against federated agency IT and Texas building a single front door for citizen services.
66% of CIOs say they lack funding to balance immediate needs with future investment, and 32% cite a lack of trust as a barrier to digital services.