The Lawfare Podcast
Lawfare Daily: Hillary Hartley and David Eaves on 18F, Its Origin, Legacy, and Lesson
Apr 4, 2025
Hillary Hartley, former Chief Digital Officer of Ontario, and David Eaves, Associate Professor of Digital Government, dive deep into the rise and fall of 18F, a pioneering digital services team within the U.S. federal government. They explore its critical role in modernizing technology during crises like the healthcare.gov launch and reflect on the lessons learned from its closure. The duo discusses the importance of in-house talent and user-centered design, advocating for reforms to revitalize government operations and enhance citizen engagement.
42:10
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The closure of 18F highlights the ongoing tension between innovation and bureaucratic resistance within government agencies.
- 18F's collaborative approach demonstrated the value of in-house digital expertise in addressing government service delivery challenges.
Deep dives
The Role and Impact of 18F
18F served as a consultancy within the U.S. federal government, aiming to enhance digital services by providing expert guidance and support to various agencies. Unlike traditional consultancies that might operate externally, 18F worked closely with program owners to identify their problems and develop tailored solutions, embodying a collaborative approach. This internal capacity allowed governmental bodies to navigate the complexities of digital transformation, ensuring they could effectively communicate user needs and technological requirements. The closure of 18F marked a significant loss, as it had the potential to drive considerable cost savings and service improvements for the public sector.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
