William D. Eggers: Making Government More Effective and Less Intrusive
Dec 27, 2023
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In this episode, Nick Gillespie interviews William D. Eggers, co-author of Bridgebuilders and executive director of Deloitte's Center for Government Insights. They discuss moving beyond the outdated vending machine model of government, the use of indirect tools in government interventions, successful examples like NASA's role in catalyzing the commercial space industry, the importance of bridge builders in navigating across sectors, lessons from the COVID-19 crisis, successful governance models, and the contrasting approaches of politicians in different states.
The podcast promotes transcending the traditional vending machine model of government and emphasizes the importance of public-private partnerships and effective management of networks.
The success of public-private partnerships in solving major problems is discussed, highlighting the positive outcomes that come from collaboration and the true potential of such partnerships.
The importance of adaptive and agile government structures is stressed, encouraging policymakers to rethink their roles and explore new ways of delivering government services efficiently and effectively.
Deep dives
The importance of transcending traditional government models
The podcast episode discusses the book 'Bridge Builders' by Will Eggers and Donald F. Kettle, which promotes the idea of transcending the traditional vending machine model of government. The authors argue that this model, where money is put in and specific results are expected, is outdated and ineffective. Instead, they propose a new model that reflects the blurring of lines between the public and private sectors, emphasizing the importance of public-private partnerships and effective management of networks. The podcast highlights the need for a shift in mindset and the ability to adapt government structures to address complex challenges such as the COVID pandemic.
The power of public-private partnerships
The podcast explores the success of public-private partnerships in solving major problems. It discusses examples like the Apollo mission and the Manhattan Project, where government collaborated with private industries and academic researchers to achieve significant milestones. The episode emphasizes the importance of bridging the public and private sectors to leverage resources, knowledge, and expertise effectively. It mentions how initiatives like Operation Warp Speed during the COVID pandemic adopted a public-private model to accelerate vaccine development and distribution. The podcast highlights the positive outcomes that come from collaboration and the true potential of public-private partnerships.
The need for adaptive and agile government
The podcast stresses the importance of adaptive and agile government structures. It mentions the need to move away from bureaucratic systems and embrace more flexible approaches to achieve better outcomes. Examples like regulatory sandboxes and eliminating burdensome regulations are discussed to demonstrate how governments can foster innovation and respond effectively to evolving challenges. The episode underscores the value of problem-solving and pragmatic governance that focuses on creating mutual advantages between sectors. It encourages policymakers and leaders to rethink their roles and explore new ways of delivering government services efficiently and effectively.
The role of technology and AI in transforming governance
The podcast examines the transformative potential of technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), in changing the landscape of governance. It discusses how AI can drive major advancements in various sectors, including healthcare, language translation, and education. The episode highlights the ability of AI to streamline processes, personalize services, and improve overall decision-making. It emphasizes the need for governments to invest in AI research and development, as well as regulatory models that can harness the benefits of technology while ensuring ethical and responsible use. The podcast offers an optimistic outlook for the future, painting a picture where AI enhances everyday life and leads to increased productivity and leisure time.
Fostering a culture of hope and progress
The podcast addresses the pessimism and negativity prevalent in today's discourse, particularly among younger generations. It calls for a shift towards a more hopeful and positive perspective, highlighting the tremendous progress and potential for growth in various fields. The episode encourages society to embrace the possibilities offered by AI, innovation, and improved governance. It suggests that focusing on data-driven approaches, problem-solving, and evidence-based policies can lead to a better future and greater public value. The podcast concludes by advocating for the need to inspire young people and cultivate a culture of hope that drives innovation, entrepreneurship, and positive change.
Eggers has since worked with dozens of governments at all levels, both in the United States and internationally, and he's written a shelf's worth of books on the proper scope and function of government. I talked with him about Bridgebuilders, what he's learned over the past three decades about making government more effective and less intrusive, and why it's long past time to move beyond what he and his co-author call "the vending machine model" of government.