Minnesota has a Technology Advisory Council (TAC). The release an annual report. For someone (like me) who attends all of the MN Broadband Task Force meetings, it’s a next step of sorts of looking to what’s coming toward us and how the state can maximize benefits and minimize risk. Also, from someone who attended the broadband meetings, the discussions happening at the TAC shine a light on the need for ubiquitous broadband. Here’s the executive summary…
Technology shapes how Minnesotans access essential government services — from childcare and healthcare to public safety, licensing, and regulatory oversight. As expectations for speed, security, and transparency rise — and as cyber threats, artificial intelligence, and federal funding uncertainty intensify — Minnesota must modernize in ways that deliver clear public value while protecting privacy, security, and public trust.
The legislature established the TAC in 2021 to provide strategic guidance to MNIT and executive branch agencies on enterprise technology priorities. Drawing on expertise from across the public and private sectors, the TAC helps the state reduce systemic risk, modernize responsibly, and align technology investments with legislative intent and statewide goals. In 2025, the TAC focused on strengthening the enterprise foundations required for effective, accountable government. Building on prior recommendations, the TAC emphasized governance-driven approaches that move Minnesota beyond isolated projects toward durable, scalable capabilities. Across all focus areas, a consistent theme emerged: Lasting public value depends on shared standards, coordinated execution, and sustained investment in people, data, and security. The TAC’s work in 2025 centered on four priority areas:
Advancing responsible artificial intelligence
Minnesota continued to lead in responsible AI adoption by strengthening enterprise governance, shared standards, and workforce readiness. Rather than pursuing AI for its own sake, agencies applied AI to clearly defined use cases that improve efficiency and decision-making while maintaining transparency, auditability, and alignment with Minnesota values.
Reinforcing cybersecurity and operational resilience
In response to an evolving threat landscape — including emerging risks such as quantum computing — and shifting federal support, the TAC prioritized a whole-of-state cybersecurity model. This approach emphasizes shared intelligence, coordinated response, and workforce development to reduce risk and protect critical services across state, local, Tribal Nations, and critical infrastructure partners.
Strengthening data sharing and evidence-based decision-making
The TAC emphasized the need for a coordinated, enterprise approach to data stewardship and sharing. Stronger leadership, clearer legal frameworks, and improved data quality enable agencies to collaborate more effectively, reduce duplication, and deliver faster, more seamless services — while protecting privacy and security.
Modernizing service delivery through product and experience
Recognizing that human-centered services depend on strong product and agile practices, the TAC advanced recommendations to modernize procurement, funding models, leadership engagement, and workforce capacity — shifting government from project completion to sustained value delivery.
The report goes on to provide recommendations for each area.
