At the Government Innovation Showcase California 2025, David Norona, Chief Information Officer at the California Department of Insurance, shared his insights on how cloud transformation, automation, and AI are redefining the way government builds, delivers, and scales digital services.
From Legacy Systems to Agile Innovation
Over the past three decades, government IT has evolved dramatically - from mainframes and client-server systems to today’s cloud-based, agile environments.
According to Norona, this shift has unlocked new possibilities for flexibility, speed, and efficiency across the public sector.
“Most governmental organizations spend about 80% of their IT budget just keeping the lights on,” he explained. “But with the transition to the cloud and agile approaches, we can now move from pilot to production faster and at a lower cost.”
Rather than waiting years to see the outcome of a major project, agencies can now deliver value in iterative stages - building, testing, and improving continuously.
The Power of Cloud and AI
Cloud computing has not only modernized infrastructure but also lowered the barrier to innovation. Through models like infrastructure-as-a-service, platform-as-a-service, and software-as-a-service, agencies can now tailor solutions to their needs and pay only for what they use.
Meanwhile, AI and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) are transforming the way governments handle repetitive, rule-based processes. “RPA has been around for a while,” said Norona. “It’s ideal for government case management systems that are very process-driven. Generative AI builds on that by adding human-like decision-making and creating even more value.”
Together, these technologies are helping governments work smarter - accelerating service delivery, enhancing accuracy, and freeing up time for strategic priorities.
Putting People First
Technology alone isn’t the answer - people are. Norona emphasized the importance of empathy and collaboration in every stage of innovation.
As agencies shift from managing projects to developing products, they’re becoming more citizen-centric. “We work much more closely with our customers, end users, and stakeholders,” he said. “An empathetic, customer-centered approach allows us to deliver meaningful results sooner.”
Bringing Innovators Together
In a world where many teams work remotely, events like the Government Innovation Showcase play a vital role in reconnecting people and ideas.
“This event brings together a large number of state IT professionals,” Norona shared. “It gives us the opportunity to engage with each other, explore what the industry has to offer, and see how those solutions fit within our business context.”
Quotable Moment
“With cloud and agile approaches, we can now move from pilot to production faster and at a lower cost.”
— David Norona, CIO, California Department of Insurance
Why You Should Care
Government IT is no longer just about maintaining systems - it’s about building adaptable, citizen-focused solutions that evolve with technology. The shift to cloud and AI offers not just efficiency, but the ability to deliver better public services faster and with greater impact.
Be Part of the Next Chapter: Government Innovation Showcase California 2026
The conversation continues next year as Government Innovation Showcase California returns in 2026. Join state and local leaders, technology experts, and innovators to explore the next wave of transformation shaping the public sector.
Coming 2026 — View the event website
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