Khanna, a self-described "lifelong Republican" was previously the chief financial officer of the White House and also served as the head of the U.S. Peace Corps. We last wrote about him back in October, when he was elected the head of the national advocacy group of the state CIOs.
Asked about the role of state CIOs, he said that his goal is to make information technology an integral part of the infrastructure conversation, and get policy makers to see IT systems like highways - critical systems that regularly need maintenance and upgrading.
"When highway systems were developed in the country, they were smart enough to envision the need for ongoing maintenance. Because they knew that when you build a road there are going to be potholes, and they have to be repaired. When IT infrastructure is laid, it too becomes obsolete because of new technology. So for me, it is analogous to highway systems because here too you have to continuously enhance and upgrade them."
He said that President-elect Obama appointing a technology czar would serve the purpose of developing a national policy for technology. He suggested, that this may be the first step in establishing a larger institution overseeing all technology-related subjects at the federal level.
"Today, technology is not seen in government as a program. It is seen as something nebulous, like buying a computer. And that happens with any new item. There was no Department of Energy for many decades, there was only a energy czar 30 years ago, when energy became an item of huge concern, especially with the shortage of oil. Now there will be a technology czar to harness the country's competitive advantage"
He said that since most state governments fund IT projects on a general fund basis, it is hard to ensure that there is income to allow for regular upgrades and system improvements.
"For IT investments, we have to compete with investments for the classroom, investment in the arts, investment in the VA [Veterans Administration] program. It is very difficult to compete against those demands. So usually, its very difficult to get funds for IT. "
He added that cyber security was a big threat to governments, and last year's large-scale attacks on the Estonian government and the cyber attacks on Georgian websites by Russian hackers during the military invasion earlier this year, have brought the issue to the fore.
Khanna's other passion is in working with youngsters in the South Asian community to play an active role in politics and national service, be it by joining the Peace Corps, starting NGOs or doing something in the community.
"Getting involved in politics of your choice is important too, because one cannot make a policy impact unless there is a political involvement as well," he said
Earlier on SAJAForum:
- Desi Spotting: Gopal Khanna becomes President of group of State CIO's
- Technology: Gopal Khanna, CIO of Minnesota on cover of Public CIO Mag
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