The OECD released the following statement:-
Boosting public sector productivity and maximising returns on investment in technology will be key to governments playing their part in restoring economic growth. These were among the conclusions reached by OECD ministers meeting in Venice on November 15, under the leadership of Italian Minister Renato Brunetta responsible for public administration and innovation.
“Strong political commitment and leadership will be vital to reforming the public sector,” said Aart de Geus, OECD Deputy Secretary-General. “Ministers recognise the role they must play in delivering more effective public services.”
Ministers from more than 20 countries discussed, among other issues, the need to strengthen trust in government through more open and transparent engagement with citizens. This would require reforms to enable the public sector to prepare more effectively for future challenges and respond more quickly to changing needs and reduced budgets.
Ministers called on the OECD to collect data and provide regular updates on governments’ progress on improving public sector performance. They underlined the role of the OECD in identifying current and future challenges facing governments, and asked the organisation to propose cost-effective approaches to help them build a more efficient and effective public sector.