Citizens’ expectations of their state/provincial and local governments are changing. Studies show that increased effectiveness and speed-of-services top the list of expectations, followed by expansion of services to meet emerging demands and accommodate a wider range of needs.

Strained budgets and increased security threats have governments around the world looking for new ways to meet constituents’ needs both in the near-term and in preparing for the future. Many governments are now adopting a more strategic view of the network as well as re-evaluating business processes to meet these new goals and to help promote economic development in their communities. Current trends in government include: