We need to be much more respon sive and invite business to the table as we are developing e-government. One of the most critical evolving areas for public-private partnership is providing a communications highway between and within communities. Rather, governments can provide this access in partnership with cable and telecommunications companies. Finally, the nation is entering an age in which there are visible risks to critical infrastructures for banking, power generation, transportation, water supply and emergency services. These concerns cannot be addressed by government alone, but must be worked in partnership with the private sector and other non-governmental organizations.
Government needs new tools to design and establish new forms of partnerships.
Match Capacity to Capability Governments need to build in the capacity and capability to assess and manage risk, and do it with complete openness so that the public understands and gains confidence in what is taking place. Many government institutions have long-standing regulations and traditions that are rendered unnecessary because of technological capabilities now available. According to participants, some even impede progress. The use of charge cards, for example, has had a profound effect on every citizen's personal and business life, and increasingly, on government organizations. Charge cards can be used in transactions with government, including the payment of fees for online services.