How governments can navigate a disrupted world

The COVID-19 pandemic is just the latest in a growing list of disrupters confronting government. Tech disrupters such as the internet, social media, and artificial intelligence (AI) are dramatically transforming society. From cyber threats and terrorist attacks to riots, disrupters are plentiful. Massive societal change and demographic shifts, likewise, demand adaptation by government.

While future events may not take the same shape as the pandemic, they will require governments to navigate profound disruptions nimbly and effectively.
Governments will need enhanced capabilities in three areas to help navigate both current uncertainties and tomorrow’s more uncertain world:

Foresight: Identifying forces and events that could place unprecedented demands on governments and their mission but could also create new opportunities for governments.

Agility: Adjusting quickly to changes affecting customers, operations, and the broader ecosystem.

Resilience: Withstanding and recovering from disruptions.

Key Takeouts:

Foresight

    Understanding trends   

    Scenario analysis

Agility

    Fast and flexible policy + decision-making

    Fluid functionality

    Adaptable organisation

Resilience

    A learning Organisation

    Tech instinctive

    Flexible boundaries