The Organisational State, The Virtual State, The Entrepreneurial State - What’s next? <<The Adaptive State>>

In her book Building the Virtual State, Jane E. Fountain , an American political scientist, toyed with the idea of decentralising government services in 2001. Technology, particularly the Internet, makes them more accessible to citizens and adaptable to their needs. Fast-forward to 2024, and the advent of generative AI will likely introduce new reasons to emphasise the ‘Adaptability Quotient' for all government systems. (People, Process, Places)

Last week, I was honoured to attend a luncheon in Sydney, where Mariana Mazzucato delivered a captivating public lecture. The event brought together the city's most forward-thinking innovators from the public sector alongside eminent academic scholars, entrepreneurs, and mission-driven bureaucrats. Mazzucato masterfully discussed "The Entrepreneurial State" and the journey of mission-driven innovation that Australia is embarking upon, with CSIRO at the helm. This event ignited numerous reflections on what the next decade of mission-led thinking could look like. The concept of adaptability repeatedly emerged in my thoughts for several compelling reasons.

?The “Adaptive State” concept envisions a government that is not only innovative and technologically savvy but also highly responsive and flexible, able to adjust its policies, structures, and operations rapidly in response to changing social, economic, and environmental conditions. The Adaptive State would leverage the best aspects of its predecessors—organisational efficiency, virtual engagement, and entrepreneurial innovation—while integrating advanced technologies like AI and big data analytics to proactively predict and respond to future challenges.

Here are some thoughts on the characteristics of The Adaptive State:?

1. Predictive Governance: This uses big data analytics, AI, and machine learning to forecast societal trends and challenges, enabling pre-emptive policymaking and resource allocation. Singapore's approach to Singapore: Smart Nation Initiative demonstrates how predictive governance can transform how cities are managed, making them more responsive, efficient, and adaptable to the needs of their residents. This initiative integrates advanced technology into every aspect of governance and urban management.?
2. Dynamic Policymaking: Implement flexible and dynamic policy frameworks that can be adjusted or updated in real time based on new data, insights, or changing circumstances. 2014, Estonia launched the world’s first e-Residency program , allowing non-Estonians access to Estonian services such as company formation, banking, and taxation. This innovative policy expanded Estonia's economic reach and adapted to the global trend of digital nomadism.
3. Citizen-centric Services: Providing highly personalised and accessible public services through advanced digital platforms, optimising user experience and engagement. Queensland's ieMR system is significant because it can integrate with other health information systems within Queensland Health and with external providers. This interoperability supports a continuum of care, allowing for efficient information exchange across different care settings.
4. Sustainability and Resilience: Prioritising policies and initiatives that promote environmental sustainability, economic resilience, and social well-being, ensuring long-term viability and prosperity. Singapore’s water Four National Taps strategy exemplifies how The Adaptive State can operationalise Sustainability and Resilience. It demonstrates that through strategic planning, technological innovation, and public participation, states can effectively manage natural resources, ensure environmental sustainability, and build a resilient infrastructure to meet future challenges.
5. Collaborative Ecosystems: Fostering collaborative networks that span government agencies, the private sector, academia, and civil society, facilitating innovation and knowledge sharing. The partnership between the City of Amsterdam, businesses, academic institutions, and civic organisations in the Amsterdam Smart City initiative . This collaborative venture is designed to address urban challenges through innovation, sustainability, and technology, showcasing how government-led coalitions can drive societal progress.
6. Global and Local Balance: Balancing global cooperation with local action, recognising the interconnectedness of global challenges while empowering local communities to tailor solutions to their unique contexts. Barcelona's Smart City mission , which started in 2010, provides valuable insights into balancing global technological advancements and local priorities (such as Urban Mobility, Connection, Affordable Housing, Civic Engagement, etc.) within The Adaptive State framework.

The Adaptive State represents a forward-thinking approach to Government Systems and governance of systems that is not just reactive to crises but anticipates and moulds the future through strategic vision, technological empowerment, and deep engagement with citizens. It embodies a governance model that is continually evolving, learning, and adapting, poised to meet the demands of an increasingly complex and uncertain world.

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Do you have any thoughts on the adaptive state?