The Call for Innovative and Open Government
An Overview of Country Initiatives
This report presents an overview of country initiatives concerning efficient, effective public services and open and innovative government. It focuses on four core issues: delivery of public services in times of fiscal consolidation; a more effective and performance-oriented public service; promotion of open and transparent government; and strategies for implementation of a reform agenda. These issues were discussed at the OECD Public Governance Ministerial Meeting held in Venice, Italy, in November 2010, hosted by the Italian Ministry for Public Administration and Innovation.
Germany
Budget consolidation – which is also affecting Germany in the current legislative period – has also led to a reduction in budget funds for public authorities delivering public services. These necessary budgetary cuts will reduce the federal ministries’ and their subordinate authorities’ scope for action, adversely affect individual projects and heighten the need to set priorities. However, budget-neutral, internal postponements or financial shifts in expenditure will ensure that the implementation of projects which are important in policy terms are not put at risk.