This document poses a series of questions for perplexed monks about the role of government. It questions whether the government should act as a driver or facilitator. It also questions the meaning of public-private partnerships and different approaches like bottom-up versus top-down. Additional questions are asked about the optimal level of government action, how much money and for how long the government should be involved, and balancing flexibility versus red tape. The document suggests new roles and skills may be needed from government and calls for innovation.

1. The Role of
Government:
A Set of questions
for perplexed Monksfor perplexed Monks
Juan Manuel Esteban
Capetown, 28th October 2008

2. Driver or
facilitator?
What does it
mean PPP?:
And PPPPP?

3. Bottom-Up?
Top Down?
Does it make a difference?Does it make a difference?
Government rules, follows,
accompanies?

4. “Laissez faire,
laissez passer, le
monde va de lui
même”
Oops! Où va le monde?

5. Are there
optimal
standards or
only diverse
typologies?
Is there a right level for the action?:
International, ational, Regional,
Local?

6. And what about
money?
• How much?
• How long?• How long?
• What for?

7. Red Tape or
Flexibility?
Are we really aware onAre we really aware on
the new roles or we
prefer to avoid the
changes needed?

8. ew Times,
ew Roles?
ew skills,
new ways,new ways,
innovation
for
everyone?

9. Thank
you very
much for
your
attentionattention
and time!
jesteban@competitiveness.org