Recent articles by Jerry Mechling from governing.com http://www.governing.com/authors/rss/rss/?a=87483802 Jerry Mechling is a research vice president at Gartner Inc. From 1983 to 2011, he was a faculty member of the Harvard Kennedy School. Getting the Strategic Value Out of Government Information Technology http://www.governing.com/columns/mgmt-insights/col-strategic-value-government-information-technology.html Technology can solve problems and contribute to solutions. The key is getting IT people into the process at the start. How to Think About Technology in the Work of Government http://www.governing.com/columns/mgmt-insights/col-information-technology-government-data-judgment-performance.html The key to performance is information that makes work accountable, provides guidance, coordinates over distance and seeks out innovation. Technology Fiascoes and the Failure of Analysis http://www.governing.com/columns/mgmt-insights/col-information-technology-projects-failure-analysis.html There are too many IT project failures in government. Getting the upfront analysis right could prevent a lot of them. Technology's Real Value for Government http://www.governing.com/columns/mgmt-insights/col-information-technology-improvement-productivity-government-services.html IT investments bring their own direct productivity improvements, but the big payoff is in the much larger productivity boost that digital tools can give to government services. The Governance Trinity, and How Information Can Power It http://www.governing.com/columns/mgmt-insights/col-governance-trinity-data-feedback-productivity-improvement-digital-information.html Governments are getting much quicker and clearer feedback than ever before. It’s data that could be better used to solve problems. The Gathering Momentum to Collaborate Across Boundaries http://www.governing.com/columns/mgmt-insights/col-cross-boundary-collaboration-information-technology-productivity.html Global forces are pushing governments to work together as never before, and especially to take advantage of IT-enabled economies. There is much to be gained. IT and the Perils of Hunkering Down http://www.governing.com/columns/mgmt-insights/col-elections-leverage-information-technology-improve-government-productivity.html Now — not after the November elections — is the time to prepare to leverage technology to improve productivity across government. Technology and the Productivity Promise http://www.governing.com/columns/mgmt-insights/col-technology-budget-increase-productivity.html IT is the most important tool for improving government output. Budget directors need to be ready to answer some important questions. Leading in Distrustful Times http://www.governing.com/columns/mgmt-insights/reg-alcock-leadership-perception-public-service-governance.html At a time when government is held in low esteem, public service needs people with the qualities that Canada's Reg Alcock had in abundance. Spend More—Not Less—on IT http://www.governing.com/columns/mgmt-insights/spend-more-not-less-government-information-technology-improve-productivity.html Cutting technology spending along with everything else is a false economy. IT-enabled productivity improvements can save more than they cost. Is Better Education Finally Possible? http://www.governing.com/columns/mgmt-insights/better-education-finally-possible-technology.html IT-enabled innovation has long passed education by, but cost pressures may finally change that. Social Networking and Recruitment http://www.governing.com/columns/mgmt-insights/social-networking-recruitment.html Tough times and the growing need for innovation require the use of social media to attract the best and brightest. The iPad: Risky Game-Changer http://www.governing.com/columns/mgmt-insights/iPad-risky-game-changer.html Will the iPad, and competing tablet computers, help us manage information overload or add to the distractions? Digital Leadership Moves http://www.governing.com/columns/mgmt-insights/Digital-Leadership-Moves.html As we move deeper into the Information Age, leaders must help us move forward on the risks and returns of innovation. The Future of IT-Enabled Change: Are You Ready? http://www.governing.com/columns/mgmt-insights/The-Future-of-IT-Enabled.html Information technology is critical for innovation, but the IT-driven innovation of the future will be much more difficult than anything we've done so far.