RALEIGH, (SGRToday.com) - Test technology before North Carolina invests in it: that's the mission of North Carolina's new Innovation Center, which has now been recognized by the Ash Center at Harvard University as a "bright idea" from government.

The center was created in 2013 by Governor Pat McCrory and Chief Information Officer Chris Estes.Harvard's Bright Ideas program recognizes creative initiatives that are at the forefront of government innovation.

The iCenter is a “try before you buy” working lab where state employees, students and industry collaborate to test technology systems before the State commits to purchasing them. More than $6 million worth of technology has been evaluated through the Innovation Center at no cost to the State, with an emphasis on digital and mobile solutions.