MUSA Lunch Series: Civic Technology at a Glance (Module I)

On March 20 and 27, 2015, Penn IUR and MUSA presented the 2-part series on the impact that new, innovative technologies and attendant approaches are having in the public and private sector, where web-based services, mobile, and heightened expectations of performance management, open government, and civic transparency are fast becoming the norm. Todd Baylson, Technology Procurement Advocate for Philadelphia’s Office of Innovation and Technology, led the sessions, which included information about the City of Philadelphia’s initiatives that aim to promote technology adoption and open data.  Baylson explained the municipal procurement process in hopes of demystifying it and encouraging local start-ups to seek public contracts.  He also introduced the concept of performance-based projects and answered questions from the audience related to integration of technology in non-profit management.