Public service and good governance for the twenty-first century

Recent and long-standing trends, what government is capable of delivering now, and changes and disruptions experienced in the near term will forcefully shape the future, which leads to a third critical question: What government will emerge as a result of our past practices and the coming disruptions? This question is fraught with uncertainty, but answers to it are vital to society's well-being. The fourth critical question envisions what should emerge: What institutions and structures will ready us to meet the coming changes? How should the new institutions and structures differ from those that preceded them? Who should initiate change? Although much about the future architecture of and demands on government is unknown, we must begin now to ask the fifth critical question, which involves talent: What knowledge, skills, and abilities will be needed to contend with emerging government and governance realities? Tomorrow's government will be shaped by people who are developing today, so we have no time to waste. How will tomorrow's talent be developed? Where will we turn for leadership? Questions about future talent deserve widespread attention across our society, from governments, think tanks, universities, political and civic leaders, and citizens--