March 11, 2014: Flat, Flexible and Forward-Thinking: Public Service Next

The public sector faces an increasingly complex and rapidly changing landscape that requires greater creativity and responsiveness. As governments contend with unprecedented challenges, a high-performing public service becomes critical to future prosperity.

The Forum is undertaking a number of projects under the umbrella of Public Service Next to examine new dynamics in government and innovative strategies for shaping the public services of tomorrow. Working with our lead partner MNP, and with the support of the Wilson Foundation, we launched our first project under PS Next in June 2013. Ten Top Skills explored key drivers of change and the implications for public sector leadership, forming the basis for our report, Flat, Flexible, and Forward-Thinking: Public Service Next.

Through interviews, roundtables, and other discussions across the country, we gathered insights from over 130 emerging and established leaders within and outside the public sector. This report illustrates how shifting contexts are now redefining leadership competencies.