The National Archives is more than just the nation's record keeper and protector of records. It is the steward of the American story that preserves the past to protect the future. The records it holds are the original sources of that story, documenting the collective history of our nation through the actions of individuals and institutions.

 Before we delved into Dr. Joyce’s recent IBM Center report, The Cost of Budget Uncertainty: Analyzing the Impacts of Late Appropriations, I asked him to provide some context and explain certain realities that beset our period, such as, the so-called fiscal cliff.   Fiscal Cliff or Slope:  Why are we here?

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Technology and new innovations are changing the world in which we live. The U.S. Department of State has sought to leverage these new innovations in service of its diplomatic and development goals -- leveraging the networks, technologies, and demographics of the interconnected world. In this dynamic global landscape, State has also sought to restructure its organization and how it operates. Advancing diplomacy by pursuing effective knowledge-sharing as well as expanding the use of collaborative technology.

Demand for the Coast Guard’s unique capabilities has never been higher. Facing new challenges has required it to organize more efficiently and manage operations more effectively. What is the U.S. Coast Guard strategic direction? How will steadying the service make the U.S. Coast Guard ready for today and prepared for tomorrow? Admiral Robert Papp, commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, joined me on The Business of Government Hour to explore these questions and so much more. On the History and Evolving Mission of the U.S. Coast Guard

Today’s conditions require government executives to go beyond simply doing more with less—to find smarter ways of doing business, using resources more efficiently, and investing them more wisely. The dramatic nature of this historical moment cannot be overstated. It is fully revealed by the depth of the vicissitudes being faced. How government leaders respond matters and the conditions require more than vague changes. It is to be understood that today’s actions affect future choices and lost opportunities result in ubiquitous costs.

FAS Commissioner Steve Kempf on the value of a centralized provider as GSA: Challenges facing GSA’s Federal Acquisition Service

For a decade, The Business of Government Hour has brought you leading government executives who are changing the way government does business. Each week, our guests join us for an informative, insightful, and in-depth conversation about their careers, their agencies, agency accomplishments, as well as their vision of government in the 21st century.  Over last five years, we have interviewed more than 350 government executives. It is from this rich library that we have culled together their insights on important public management issues.

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