Be ‘fast and curious’

Innovative governments can create public value by becoming “fast and curious”, according to a new report. The World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council on the Future of Government has identified a matrix for government transformation. In the report entitled “Future of Government – Fast and Curious”, the group of academics, politicians and business leaders outline a framework for governments to follow to become organisations tat are flatter, agile, streamlined and tech-enabled, or “Fast”. The success of a government, as identified by the report, relies on politicians implementing the Fast model: Flatter government to promote citizen engagement, administrative efficiency, decision-making process, intergovernment and cross-sector collaboration. An agile government organises itself to marshal public and private resources quickly to address challenges. A streamlined government carefully plans workforce reductions coupled with significant organisational, technological and workforce advances. A tech-enabled government is successful in redesigning its policy, legal and regulatory frameworks and processes to align with the dynamics of a networked world. In addition, the report argues that a Fast government cannot happen without significant changes in mindset among all stakeholder groups. For example, the council calls on public and private decision-makers to highlight the most immediate priorities and most promising opportunities to transform governments and enhance their ability to deliver value to citizens at all levels. In particular, the report demands that governments design citizen-oriented strategies to encourage greater engagement and accountability. Pursuing an open and candid dialogue among all entities, organisations and groups affected by the transformation of governments will remain a central priority of the council. Offering innovative and pragmatic approaches to what governments can achieve for, and with, their citizens is the council’s ultimate goal. Remaining fast and curious is a priority to share with governments that seek to transform themselves for the better, and for all those who want to contribute to this ambition. From : Khalij