Rethinking what drives national productivity When we talk about boosting a nation’s productivity, most people imagine millions of firms gradually becoming more efficient. But real-world data tells a different story. In fact, a small number of firms — national champions — are responsible for the majority of productivity gains. These are the businesses that find new ways to grow, scale, and shift value. Rather than inching forward, they take bold strides that reshape ent

As cities grow, mobility needs become increasingly complex. Transport planners are tasked with designing systems that reflect real-world behaviours—where, when, and how people move. Traditionally, this insight has been derived from costly and infrequent travel surveys or data collected via road sensors and ticketing systems. But a far richer, more continuous source of information already exists: the data generated by our mobile phones. Known as Mobile Phone Data (MPD),

Across many high-income countries, governments are struggling to modernise how they design and deliver policy, often constrained by legacy systems, fragmented data, and a lack of real-time insights. While elected leaders call for smarter, more efficient public services, the tools available to them frequently lag behind expectations. At the same time, mobile network operators have yet to fully explore the value of repurposing anonymised mobile phone data (MPD) to support evide

How can advances in data, cloud computing, and AI enable a new era of government digital transformation?At the centre of the opportunity is the convergence of: data. Advances in data architecture, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence (AI) and this is ushering in a new era of digital transformation, with governments seeking ways to harness these capabilities for everything from pandemic response to social services management.

Navigating a trade war requires a careful strategy In today’s volatile global trade environment, managing tariffs is not just a cost-control exercise—it’s a strategic imperative. A structured, forward-looking approach can help businesses turn compliance challenges into opportunities for competitive advantage. The following ten approaches could provide a practical roadmap for navigating and mitigating tariff risks.

Governments should re-consider efforts to centralise finance systems Across many governments, finance systems have grown in silos—each agency managing its own tools, data, and processes. While this may have worked in the past, it now poses a significant challenge for governments trying to deliver coordinated, efficient, and transparent public services. Centralising finance systems isn’t just about consolidation—it’s about creating a stronger foundation for better decisions

What should Minister of Finance or Treasurers be demanding from the Public Finance system that their Ministry of Finance uses? How integrated should this digital system be with the delivery agencies? In 2025, the Minister should be demanding the best digital and data solutions that are available on the market - not antiquated, spreadsheet based approaches. It is no longer good enough to allow some agencies to have modern FMIS systems but allow the central agency to run a lega

In a world where most government services are moving online, public finance systems in many countries remain stuck in the past. While revenue collection, taxation, digital payments, and digital identity systems have made huge strides, the financial core of government is still lagging behind. Far too often, financial departments rely on outdated systems and spreadsheets, offering little to no real-time insight into agency finances. As a result, finance ministers across the glo

The rising cost of external consultants has become a growing concern for governments around the world Recognising this, the Australian Government has launched a new initiative—Australian Government Consulting (AGC)—an internal consultancy designed to reduce reliance on external firms and rebuild capability within the Australian Public Service (APS).

For any government genuinely aiming to improve financial sustainability, a commitment to responsible financial management must go well beyond Parliament and Cabinet. It must be firmly embedded in the day-to-day choices made by civil servants, programme leads, procurement professionals, and senior executives at every tier of government. Yet, in many departments, agencies, and working-level teams, this culture is noticeably absent. The question is how to create such a culture?

What is really behind the tariffs launched by the US administration in 2025? Is it really as simple as seeking 'fairness' or 'generating revenue'? There are likely a wide range of reasons for the tariffs depending on the trading country and what the US believes is in its interests. This is very likely just the opening salvo in what will be a dynamic period of changing trading relationships.

Stephen Miran’s A User’s Guide to Re-Structuring the Global Trading System presents a pathway for major shifts that could reshape how global

In a complex field like procurement, having a clear framework can be incredibly helpful. Frameworks act like roadmaps—they guide professiona

Victoria’s (Australia) emergency services play a critical role in protecting lives and property during times of crisis, including floods, bushfires, and storms. As climate change and population pressures increase the frequency and severity of natural disasters, the demand on emergency services continues to grow. In response, the Victorian Government is replacing the existing Fire Services Property Levy (FSPL) with a broader Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) from 1

The economic advantage of non-alignment - focus on what counts for your nation. Lessons from India

Civilian assets and capabilities could be used as a more cost effective model than the military to support national interests

Public procurement is an area of government that is a priority for transformation and digitisation due to the wide impact it has on wider go

Governments face increasing pressure to modernise their operations, enhance service delivery, and improve efficiency in an era of rapid tech

Digital-era governance and Lean government represent two interconnected approaches to transforming public sector efficiency

Funding National Park - Tongariro Crossing as a case study