In the world of workforce and economic development, data is king.

But how can you transform siloed data into a cohesive, actionable tool that guides strategic decision-making?

The answer lies in following a proven recipe.

On a recent episode of Workmorphis Wired, Josh Richardson, Chief of Staff at the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (INDWD), shared the crucial steps to the success of the department’s latest data-driven project, Pivot. Pivot is an AI-driven tool that uses state unemployment data to empower job seekers with personalized information about high-demand jobs and training, helping them make better-informed career decisions.

Unlike a traditional recipe, these steps are not necessarily sequential. But they’re all important, so be sure to read to the bottom to make sure you don’t miss anything!

1. Define the Problem and Set Clear Objectives

Every initiative should start with a well-defined problem and clear objectives, which will guide the path forward. The question, “What problem are we solving?” should be a straightforward and precise answer. If it isn’t, take a step back and reassess.

Tip: Identifying the right problem can be challenging. It’s crucial to engage with the people and groups affected by the issue before moving forward. This ensures that the problem is real and clearly defined.

Once established, clear objectives will act as a guiding star, helping you and your team navigate the inevitable challenges that arise during a project.

They also provide a benchmark for measuring progress, enabling you to course-correct as needed.

Finally, a unified vision is invaluable for fostering a shared sense of purpose among team members, which is particularly important in cross-agency efforts.

2. Secure High-Quality Data and Infrastructure

Ensuring you and all relevant stakeholders can access the high-quality data you need seems obvious, but must not be overlooked.

Innovative AI-driven models that use multiple sources of public sector data require sophisticated data systems. Building and maintaining modernized IT infrastructure, including advanced state longitudinal database systems (SLDS), is a must. Without this foundation, you will quickly encounter issues of data quality, scalability, and sustainability.

Tip: The best time to start building data infrastructure was five years ago. The second best time? Today!

3. Build Buy-In and Engage Experts Early

Securing the support of key agency leaders, legislators, and privacy officers is crucial for your initiative’s success. Early engagement with these decision-makers is essential to ensure that the project gains the early momentum and ongoing support it needs to be sustainable.

Don’t hesitate to seek out experts, either. Their specialized knowledge and skills can significantly enhance the quality of your outcomes, especially when handling protected data and working across systems that have historically been siloed.

For INDWD, this meant partnering with data and technology consultancy Resultant. Together, they executed the vision and brought Pivot to life.

4. Design for the User

All decisions should be made with the user in mind, centering their preferences and needs throughout the initiative.

Tailoring your initiative to the individual user’s specific context and challenges is what separates truly impactful initiatives from those that fail to make a difference. In practice, this looks like providing personalized, actionable insights rather than generic data.

A user-centered approach shouldn’t stop with the conclusion of the development process. To maximize beneficial outcomes, it should be part of a culture of continuous improvement.

Tip: Simply acknowledging the user’s perspective is not enough. People who experience the problems you seek to solve know their needs best, so leaders must be comfortable elevating them to positions of co-leadership.

By regularly collecting feedback from users, analyzing their experiences, and continually iterating based on their insights, you build trust and ensure that their experiences directly inform the solution.

This ongoing engagement helps to refine and enhance the initiative, helping it remain aligned with user needs and expectations throughout its duration.

5. Leverage Technology for Innovation

Continuously exploring and adopting emerging technologies, such as AI and machine learning, will keep your initiative on the cutting edge.

When the idea for Pivot first arose, the technology to bring it to life simply did not exist.

Instead of shelving the concept, INDWD remained patient and kept a close eye on technological developments. They understood that innovation often requires time and readiness to seize opportunities when they arise.

Then, when AI became more powerful and accessible, they were prepared to advance the project quickly.

Their foresight and strategic planning allowed them to leverage the latest AI advancements effectively, transforming a once-impossible concept into a life-changing reality.

The Proof is in the “Pudding”

The Pivot tool developed by INDWD is a shining example of what a successful cross-agency data initiative can achieve.

The project team sought to leverage Indiana’s rich data resources to better serve job seekers. With support from key stakeholders, including state legislators and leaders from various state agencies, INDWD partnered with Resultant, a technology consulting firm, and the state’s Management and Performance Hub (MPH) to design and implement Pivot.

Pivot was built on Indiana’s advanced data infrastructure, including a modernized unemployment insurance system and an efficient SLDS. The tool provides personalized career recommendations by analyzing millions of lines of data from wage records, educational backgrounds, and labor market demand forecasts. Privacy and security were prioritized throughout the development, with all data de-identified and securely linked.

In the short time since its launch, Pivot has already helped thousands of job seekers by offering tailored career advice. Despite historically low unemployment claims, as of July 2024, over half of Indiana’s then-50,000 claimants had voluntarily used Pivot, with about a thousand users weekly saying “yes” to their job recommendations.

Early feedback has lauded the tool’s ability to identify transferable skills and suggest viable career transitions.

Looking ahead, DWD plans to expand Pivot beyond unemployment claimants and include training provider recommendations, further enhancing its value.

INDWD’s successful implementation of Pivot demonstrates the transformative potential of cross-agency data initiatives and offers a model for future projects.

Their success is a testament to the power of a well-executed strategy. By following their proven recipe, you too can bring an innovative data initiative to life.

Want to learn more? Check out INDWD’s website, Resultant’s podcast, Data Driven Leadership, and our own Workmorphis Wired!