US State Governments Risk Core System Replacement Delays as Modernization Outpaces Resource Planning, Advises Info-Tech Research Group

Core system replacement initiatives in US state governments require earlier resource alignment, disciplined governance structures, and sustained executive oversight to avoid execution delays and cost overruns. New insights from Info-Tech Research Group show that when resource planning lags procurement, agencies increase exposure to delivery instability and budget volatility. The firm’s newly published blueprint, Accelerate Strategic Resource Planning for Core System Replacement in US State Government, outlines a structured lifecycle framework that formalizes early-stage resource planning and strengthens long-term modernization stability across multiyear transformation efforts.

ARLINGTON, Va., Feb. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ – Across US state governments, aging core systems are becoming increasingly difficult and costly to maintain as constituent expectations for secure, digital-first services continue to rise. Replacement initiatives are accelerating, but structured resource planning often fails to keep pace with procurement timelines. In its blueprint, Accelerate Strategic Resource Planning for Core System Replacement in US State Government, Info-Tech Research Group identifies this misalignment as a recurring execution risk. Modernization programs now span multiple legislative and funding cycles, yet resource planning frequently begins too late in the process. The global research and advisory firm recommends a shift-left approach to formalize resource planning before procurement begins.

The firm’s newly published resource positions core system replacement in state governments as an enterprise transformation initiative rather than a discrete technology upgrade. Info-Tech’s blueprint emphasizes alignment across people, processes, governance, and long-term resiliency planning as essential to modernization success. This integrated approach strengthens execution discipline, reduces volatility across fiscal cycles, and supports reliable, constituent-centered service delivery.

“Core system replacement is one of the most resource-intensive undertakings in state government,” says Andy Best, research director for public sector at Info-Tech Research Group. “State CIOs need to align budget cycles, workforce capacity, and executive governance before procurement advances. Without that discipline, agencies increase the likelihood of delivery setbacks and operational disruption.”

Info-Tech’s Core Systems Replacement Lifecycle Framework for the US State Government

In its Accelerate Strategic Resource Planning for Core System Replacement in US State Government blueprint, Info-Tech introduces a four-stage lifecycle framework designed to embed resource discipline across the full modernization journey. The model helps state CIOs and public sector IT leaders align capacity, governance, and fiscal oversight across four distinct stages:

1. Shift Left
   State CIOs and executive sponsors proactively identify and mitigate risks early in the project lifecycle. By formalizing resource modeling, governance alignment, and risk assessment before procurement begins, agencies can reduce downstream disruption and improve delivery predictability.
2. Short-Term Prioritization
   Program management offices and core system leads align active replacement initiatives with available staffing, budget allocations, and interagency collaboration needs to address immediate operational pressures.
3. Mid-Term Stabilization and Readiness
   Enterprise architects and IT strategy leaders strengthen coordination frameworks, refine planning standards, and embed risk mitigation practices to improve readiness for upcoming system replacements.
4. Long-Term Sustainability
   Executive leadership, oversight bodies, and agency heads address structural gaps and implement preventive governance measures to ensure modernization efforts remain resilient, fiscally sustainable, and aligned with evolving policy and constituent service demands.

By embedding structured resource planning into the earliest stages of core system replacement, state governments can reduce execution volatility and strengthen institutional resiliency. Info-Tech’s blueprint provides the framework needed to translate modernization ambition into sustained, accountable service delivery.

For exclusive and timely commentary from Info-Tech’s experts, including Andy Best, and access to the complete Accelerate Strategic Resource Planning for Core System Replacement in US State Government blueprint, please contact [email protected].

About Info-Tech Research Group

Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world’s leading and fastest-growing research and advisory firms, serving over 30,000 IT, HR, and marketing professionals around the globe. As a trusted product and service leader, the company delivers unbiased, highly relevant research and industry-leading advisory support to help leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For nearly 30 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with teams to provide everything they need, from actionable tools to expert guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations.

To learn more about Info-Tech’s HR research and advisory services, visit McLean & Company, and for data-driven software buying insights and vendor evaluations, visit the firm’s SoftwareReviews platform.

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software, and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm’s Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact [email protected].

For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and X.

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SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group