Vermont's Agency of Transportation is committed to organizational improvement and innovation. In 2015, the Performance, Innovation, and Efficiency Bureau was created. Over the last 9 years, this section has focused on both Continuous Improvement methodologies and data-driven decision-making. In 2024 the Bureau of Innovation, Learning, and Development (BuILD) was created to better support initiatives with change management and staff development expertise in alignment with the state-wide focus on continuous improvement.
Continuous improvement allows us to identify and develop new approaches for solving new and persistent challenges to improve our services for the public and meet the needs of Vermonters. Research has shown that a strong culture of continuous improvement delivers many organizational benefits.
The Continuous Improvement section now facilitates internal improvement efforts of all sizes and kinds including:
- Efficiencies in Business Processes
- Strategic Planning Facilitation
- Standard Work Documentation
- Internal Coaching and Consulting for innovation and sustainable improvements
The Continuous Improvement section is also charged with fostering a culture of innovation across the agency.
What is innovation?
Innovation is the process of bringing about new ideas, methods, products, services, or solutions that have a significant positive impact and value. It involves transforming creative concepts into tangible outcomes that improve efficiency, and effectiveness, or address unmet needs. Innovation leads to piloting and implementing ideas that create value for AOT and the traveling public we serve.
Why innovate?
Government must operate effectively and efficiently to deliver today’s services and plan for tomorrow.
Government agencies are facing multiple challenges from dwindling budgets, increased citizen expectations, and morphing societal needs. In response, leaders increasingly see innovation as a mindset and process to help solve problems and improve the lives of the people they serve.
What does innovation look like and how does a culture of innovation develop?
Innovations come in all different shapes and sizes—from free quick wins to larger-scale initiatives. By utilizing cross functional teams, effective solutions can address multiple needs and provide improved collaboration.
Interested in learning more about innovation and improvement at AOT? Contact: AOT.CI@vermont.gov