The world is changing rapidly due to amazing new digital and advanced technologies. These technologies are transforming our daily way of life and altering the ways businesses and industries operate. From how we heat and cool our buildings to the cars we drive, or that drive themselves, we are witnessing what some have declared the “fourth Industrial Revolution.” Given the implications for their citizens and economies, governors are looking for ideas to leverage the opportunities these new technologies present and tackle challenges to stay “ahead of the curve.” They want to know about proactive measures, partnerships and policies that can help them be “innovation governors.”

Through this initiative, we will highlight how governors and those we govern can stay one step ahead of the rapidly advancing technologies that impact the daily lives of residents and businesses in our states. The initiative will focus on the energy and transportation sectors as the two leading areas of innovation, and it will examine impacts on other sectors such as health, education and public safety.

Energy storage, microgrids, “smart grid” communication, efficiency and renewable energy are part of an energy revolution that holds promise for lowering costs and improving performance. How can those advance alongside current technologies?

Drones, electric vehicles, autonomous vehicles and ridesharing are reshaping the movement of people and goods with potential upsides for safety, convenience, mobility and accessibility. How can the transition here be a smooth one?