; (3) identify and assess any innovative strategies and collaborative models to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of rural development programs and initiatives; (4) foster and maintain partnerships with public and private stakeholders to leverage expertise and resources for the Rural Development Mission Areas; (5) promote cross-agency collaborations and identify best practices in rural economic development; (6) identify and implement technological solutions and software applications to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of Rural Development Mission Area programs, including enhancing data management systems; (7) conduct research, analysis, and evaluation to modernize, simplify, and improve Rural Development Mission Area programs, and ensure that the programs are accessible, transparent, and user-friendly; and (8) disseminate information, guidance, and training materials to Rural Development Mission Area personnel and stakeholders on innovative rural development practices and opportunities. (d) Modernization plan The Innovation Center shall develop, and periodically update, a modernization plan to facilitate innovation in administering and implementing rural development programs and initiatives that— (1) outlines strategies aimed at harnessing the potential of emerging technologies for program delivery and overall service; (2) enhances program efficiencies by identifying and implementing measures to streamline program and administrative processes, reduce redundancies, and optimize resource allocation; (3) expands the availability and accessibility of digital services, leveraging digital platforms and tools to broaden the reach of the programs and improve the overall user experience for rural stakeholders; (4) integrates data-driven solutions to optimize program delivery and maximize impact and effectiveness of the efforts in rural development