Our aim is to produce research and analysis that helps government leaders more effectively respond to their mission and management challenges.The IBM Center is named "The Business of Government" because its focus is the management and operation of government, not the policies of government. Public sector leaders and managers need the best, most practical advice available when it comes to delivering the business of government. We seek to “bridge the gap” between research and practice by helping to stimulate and accelerate the production of actionable research.

The Guide: Helping the New AdministrationSucceed in Washington

The IBM Center launched this blog in April 2007 to spark a dialogue on the 2008-2009 Presidential Transition and to identify the toughest management challenges facing future government leaders. As background to this on-line dialog, the IBM Center sponsored two thought leadership forums, one in 2005 and the other in 2006, to explore these issues. Drs. Donald Kettl and Steve Kelman shared their insights with the forums. We subsequently published them as "Reflections on 21st Century Government Management." Dr.

  Transformation of the Department of Defense's Business Systems (2009) Jacques S. Gansler and William Lucyshyn Performance Management Recommendations for the New Administration (2009) Shelley H. Metzenbaum

A "twofer" is when you get two of something at once - sort of two for the price of one. That's what you would have gotten if you were at the National Press Club yesterday morning.

One of the aspects that makes the 2008-2009 transition sucha well thought out one is the groundwork laid by governmentactions taken to enhance national security. The Congress andthe president viewed a smooth transition a national securitynecessity and both branches took action on issues relatedto getting a new administration up and running as soon aspossible. The impetus for much of their preparatory workwas the events of September 11, 2001. The attacks on theUnited States that day had a substantial impact on the shape

This is the final entry to the IBM Center’s Presidential Transition 2008-2009 blog.  Following is an index of highlights from the 275 entries over the past two and a half years we’ve been writing.

Not unlike the recent public healthcare debates, the mention of performance-based pay generates much passion.  The continued rollout of the Defense Department's version of performance pay was put on hold at the beginning of the Obama Administration, pending a study.  That study is now out.  It is short and clear:  continue the pause, rethink some of the initial premises put in place in 2004, engage employees in re-designing the system, and be sure to invest in training managers.