A digital government for the 21st century

Reviewer: Brad D. Reid

The findings of a recent workshop investigating the use of information technology within the federal government are summarized here. The full report can be found at http://www.isi.edu/nsf/final.html. A “digital government” will challenge the public sector to value research and development and will provide new opportunities for civic discourse. Research opportunities include improving crisis management, providing more current economic and statistical data, developing virtual agencies, and creating intelligent transportation systems. Six recommendations are discussed: “1. Coordinate multiagency efforts to focus on priority problems; 2. Inform the research community; 3. Bridge the cultural gap between researchers and federal ISPs; 4. Initiate advanced technology pilot projects; 5. Fund a substantial number of advanced technology pilot projects and basic exploratory research projects through broad agency announcements; 6. P rovide stable funding for a program of applied research, technology transfer, and training/education activities in the federal information services domain.” This report is important reading for research and development managers.