Governing for the Future

Policy analysis serves a democratic politics best when it is both responsive and responsible, contributing hindsight and foresight while serving the government of the day, the legislature and the public, and building strategic alliances for long-term, durable policy-making beyond the current electoral term. A nuanced approach to client focus, maintaining our personal and professional integrity and trustworthiness, and consistently demonstrating a spirit of service to the community, contribute to anticipatory governance, prudence without paralysis, and intergenerational accountability. We can take analysis and advice beyond react-and-respond short-termism, and avoid echo chambers and group-think, by developing and using people skills to facilitate open, public deliberation; by engaging in policy evaluation and reflective practice; and by protecting open inquiry and critical thinking within our workplaces. Learning as we go, together we can help our societies anticipate and respond to change and challenge, now and in the future.