The global economy is in constant turmoil, governments are faced with the challenge of providing levels of service that normally only private companies can provide, and disruptive technologies are transforming the industry at a rapid pace. In this bold new era where change is inevitable, it is the innovators who are positioned to thrive without question.

In 2008, the world economy entered a recession; it was the most significant recession since the Great Depression. Recovery has been a long and exasperating struggle; sometimes we feel like we are clinging to the edge of a cliff, desperately trying to weather and weather the storm.

Some economists even predict that we are on the brink of another global recession. Domestic and foreign factors contribute significantly to the growing pessimism; There’s the unpredictability of Trump’s tweets, the impending collapse of the euro, the staggeringly low cost of crude oil, student loan debt choking young adults who can’t contribute to economic growth, and let’s not forget the dreaded silver tsunami.

It’s fair to say that the economic prospects for the United States and Canada are unsettling. As a result of financial uncertainty, many government agencies in North America are seeing their budgets tighten, while voter expectations continue to rise. Public opinion toward government processes, civic services, and budget spending has become progressively more volatile in recent years.

So how do you do more with less? Well, if we consider that we live in a world where virtual reality, 3D printing, quadcopters, pocket spectrometers, and self-driving cars are no longer just science fiction things, the answer may be to look us straight in the face.

There are a large number of software solutions that help with a wide range of government functions. The technologies available today disrupt the old ways of doing things; These are solutions that automate and streamline processes, compile and share information at the departmental level, increase citizen participation, and allow open governments.

Many communities in North America are apparently transforming into smart cities overnight; Governments are embracing innovative technologies as a means to be more efficient and generate new revenue. Even more encouraging is that these advancements in technology are no longer simply targeting federal and state agencies, local governments are now consuming what has become affordable and repeatable technology solutions.

Optimism should not be confused with naivety. The challenges facing governments are certainly daunting and implementing change successfully deserves its own discussion, but regardless of these hurdles, the solutions that are being developed out of necessity are truly inventive and inspiring. More and more government agencies seem eager to evolve, refusing to fear disruptive technology and instead using it as an opportunity to prosper. Navigating through the complexities of this digital age is certainly no easy task, but in a world ready for change, the innovative takes the spoils.