Minnesota IT Services Outlines Strategy for Secure, Efficient Government And Outlines Quantum Computing Risk

Minnesota IT Services (MNIT) has outlined a strategy for a more secure and efficient state government, detailed in a report delivered February 19, 2026 by the Technology Advisory Council (TAC). The Council, comprised of leaders from the private sector, state agencies, and labor unions, shifted its focus in 2025 from planning to implementing tangible improvements in four key areas: cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data sharing, and customer experience. This work included advising on a “whole-of-state” cybersecurity model and responsible AI adoption, with governance frameworks designed to manage risk and improve efficiency. “Since its inception, the TAC has brought together leaders…to advise the State of Minnesota on its technology strategy,” the report states, signaling a commitment to scaling these modern practices across the enterprise in 2026 and beyond.

Technology Advisory Council’s 2025 Focus Areas Minnesota’s Technology Advisory Council (TAC) charted a course from strategic planning to tangible results in 2025, focusing on areas poised to reshape state governance and citizen services. This transition reflects a proactive approach to modernizing Minnesota’s technological infrastructure amidst escalating cyber threats, evolving artificial intelligence, and uncertainty surrounding federal funding. A core focus for the TAC was advancing responsible AI implementation across state government. Rather than indiscriminate adoption, Minnesota prioritized “clearly defined use cases that improve efficiency and decision-making while maintaining transparency, auditability, and alignment with Minnesota values,” according to the report. This governance-driven strategy included strengthening enterprise governance, shared standards, and workforce readiness. The report notes that in several areas, particularly responsible AI, the state had made sufficient progress that “no new recommendations were required for 2026,” instead encouraging MNIT and agencies to focus on consistent execution and scaling successful initiatives. This focus on sustained investment in people, data, and security is intended to position Minnesota for a more resilient and trustworthy digital future. Transition from Planning to Scalable Government Capabilities The past year witnessed a significant shift within Minnesota state government, moving beyond initial technology planning toward the establishment of scalable, enduring capabilities.

The Technology Advisory Council (TAC) report details how 2025 marked a maturation of efforts across key domains—cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data sharing, and customer experience—transforming conceptual strategies into tangible execution. This transition is characterized by a move away from isolated projects and toward durable, scalable capabilities, underpinned by governance-driven approaches. This model has demonstrably strengthened collective defense mechanisms for both state and local partners through enhanced intelligence sharing and coordinated incident response. Simultaneously, the TAC focused on responsible AI implementation, emphasizing governance frameworks designed to manage risk while maximizing efficiency gains. Furthermore, progress in enterprise data sharing has been achieved by promoting “clear governance, secure and lawful data exchange, and stronger data leadership.” This coordinated approach aims to deliver more integrated, person-centered services while upholding stringent privacy and security standards. The TAC’s work reflects a broader ambition: to position Minnesota as a leader in secure, accessible, and trustworthy digital government, capable of adapting to future challenges and delivering lasting value to its citizens. By advancing enterprise data leadership, secure and lawful data sharing, modern procurement, sustainable funding, and human-centered design, the TAC helped move Minnesota toward services that are more connected, accessible, and responsive to the people who rely on them.

Advancing Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance in Minnesota Minnesota is rapidly establishing itself as a leader in responsible artificial intelligence implementation, moving beyond conceptual planning to tangible execution, as evidenced by the work of the Technology Advisory Council (TAC). The state’s approach, detailed in the February 19, 2026 report, prioritizes governance-driven strategies that ensure AI systems are transparent, secure, and aligned with core Minnesota values. Minnesota continued to lead in responsible AI adoption by strengthening enterprise governance, shared standards, and workforce readiness. This investment in “shared understanding of responsible AI use across skill levels” is intended to build internal expertise and facilitate broader implementation. By strengthening governance and investing in both people and data, Minnesota is positioning itself to deliver trustworthy digital government services, adapting to change and protecting public trust. AI should solve real business problems, improve services, and operate transparently, securely, and in alignment with Minnesota values. Whole-of-State Cybersecurity Model for Enhanced Collective Defense Minnesota is bolstering its digital defenses through a newly operationalized “whole-of-state” cybersecurity model, extending protection beyond state agencies to encompass local partners, Tribal Nations, and critical infrastructure. This shift, advised by the Technology Advisory Council (TAC), represents a move from fragmented security measures toward a unified, intelligence-driven approach designed to mitigate escalating cyber threats and adapt to evolving risks like quantum computing. The TAC’s 2025 focus on cybersecurity wasn’t simply about technology, but about establishing a collaborative ecosystem capable of coordinated response and proactive risk reduction across the state. A core tenet of this model is enhanced intelligence sharing, enabling faster identification and containment of incidents before they escalate into widespread disruptions of essential services. The emphasis on a collective defense posture acknowledges the interconnectedness of modern systems and the limitations of siloed security efforts. “Reinforcing cybersecurity and operational resilience” was a key priority, according to the report, particularly given the backdrop of shifting federal support and an increasingly complex threat landscape. The TAC’s work in this area signifies a transition from isolated projects toward durable, scalable capabilities, building on prior recommendations to create a more resilient state. This proactive stance isn’t merely reactive; it’s about anticipating future challenges and building a foundation for long-term security. By prioritizing shared standards, coordinated execution, and sustained investment in security personnel and infrastructure, Minnesota aims to deliver trustworthy digital government services and protect its citizens from increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks.

Enterprise Data Sharing for Accountable Government Services Many assume governmental data silos are insurmountable obstacles to efficient service delivery, but Minnesota is actively dismantling these barriers through a concerted push for enterprise data sharing. The February 19, 2026 report from the Technology Advisory Council (TAC) details how the state is moving beyond fragmented approaches toward a coordinated system for data stewardship, aiming to deliver faster, more seamless services to citizens. This isn’t simply about access; it’s about building “stronger leadership, clearer legal frameworks, and improved data quality” to enable effective inter-agency collaboration while rigorously protecting privacy and security. This emphasis on enterprise-level data governance is a significant departure from previous, isolated projects, signaling a commitment to durable, scalable capabilities. The report highlights that this work is intended to help agencies deliver “more coordinated, person-centered services,” a crucial shift in focus for modern governance. Furthermore, the TAC’s recommendations aren’t merely theoretical; they’re driving tangible change. The TAC’s work underscores a broader transition—from initial planning phases to concrete execution—demonstrating a commitment to building a resilient state capable of adapting to evolving challenges.

Strengthening Data Stewardship and Evidence-Based Decision-Making A coordinated, enterprise approach to data stewardship was a central focus for Minnesota’s Technology Advisory Council (TAC) in 2025, signaling a significant shift toward leveraging data for improved governance and service delivery. The Council’s work centered on bolstering data quality and promoting responsible data sharing, acknowledging that robust data is fundamental to evidence-based policymaking. Stronger data leadership, coupled with improved data quality, is intended to enable agencies to work together more efficiently, minimize redundant efforts, and enhance the overall effectiveness of state programs. This focus extends beyond mere data accessibility; it encompasses a commitment to protecting both privacy and security while unlocking the potential of data to inform critical decisions.

Modernizing Government Delivery via Product-Based Operating Model Minnesota’s government is undergoing a significant operational shift, moving away from discrete projects toward a product-based model designed for sustained value delivery. The state recognizes that modern expectations demand speed, security, and transparency, necessitating a more agile and responsive governmental structure. A core component of this modernization is a focus on building “enterprise capabilities that endure beyond individual initiatives.” The TAC’s 2025 recommendations reflect a move from initial planning phases to tangible execution, particularly evident in areas like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. While some domains, such as responsible AI, have reached a level of maturity requiring no new recommendations for 2026, the emphasis remains on consistent implementation and scaling successful strategies. This includes modernizing procurement processes, funding models, and leadership engagement to support a product-centric approach. Furthermore, the TAC observed that Minnesota continued to lead in responsible AI adoption by “strengthening enterprise governance, shared standards, and workforce readiness.” This commitment extends beyond AI, encompassing a “whole-of-state” cybersecurity model designed to bolster collective defense against evolving threats. AI should solve real business problems, improve services, and operate transparently, securely, and in alignment with Minnesota values. TAC Leadership Transition: Rick King’s Collaborative Vision The Minnesota Technology Advisory Council (TAC) experienced a significant leadership shift in 2025 as Rick King concluded his tenure as Chair, a transition lauded for preserving a deeply collaborative spirit within the group. Since its establishment in 2021, the TAC has functioned as a crucial bridge between the public and private sectors, advising Minnesota IT Services (MNIT) and executive branch agencies on critical technology strategies, and King’s leadership was instrumental in fostering this partnership. The Council’s 2025 summary report details a move “from foundational planning to tangible execution,” building on earlier recommendations to strengthen the state’s technological foundations. Vincent Cabansag, Vice Chair of the TAC, highlighted the collaborative culture established under King’s leadership, noting it “set the standard for the public-private partnership we continue today.” Looking ahead to 2026, the TAC remains dedicated to supporting MNIT and state agencies in scaling these modern practices, with a commitment to ensuring Minnesota’s technology effectively serves its citizens. Source: https://mn.gov/mnit/assets/2025-TAC-Report_tcm38-725832.pdf Tags: