Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology puts on “Innovation Day”

The Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology put on an “Innovation Day” in Springfield. (Dave Dahl/WJBC)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois’ Department of Innovation and Technology is sharing “what’s next.”

Acting secretary Brandon Ragle’s department put on an “Innovation Day,” which, he said, “is really just to show collaboration and awareness. How broad, when we say innovation and technology, what that really means. It’s not just computer programming. It’s working with scientists and doctors and every trade you can think of to really understand the needs of the world; where we’re wanting to go.”

There’s plenty of AI and ChatGPT in Ragle’s lexicon these days.

Ragle defines innovation as “just thinking outside the box; always looking for areas of improvement, (asking) how can we create efficiencies, just being very creative. To me, innovation and creativity are hand in hand.”

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]

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