In academia, we tend to hibernate in summer rather than winter. With School now back in gear, we need to continue thinking about the leadership needed to sense and respond effectively to the IT-enabled innovations that are continuing to move the world.

In that frame, let me draw to your attention the following opportunity -- to allow an innovation you're aware of to win one of the Innovations in American Government Awards.

The details, from the National Academy of Public Administration:

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Dear Fellows--
 
With autumn upon us, I am excited to invite you to take part in celebrating creativity and effectiveness in the public sector and recommend a deserving government candidate program to receive the Innovations in American Government Award, sponsored by Harvard University's Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation (www.ashinstitute.harvard.edu).  As many of you know, the institute is so ably led by Academy Fellow Steve Goldsmith.
 
I know you agree that celebrating public sector success is just as important as ensuring proper program administration in many ways.  Doing so not only recognizes the hard work that dedicated men and women do every day.  It also provides a model that other organizations can emulate.  For more than 20 years, the Innovations in American Government Program has highlighted exemplary models of government’s innovative performance and served as a catalyst for continued progress in addressing the nation’s most pressing public concerns.  From training employees to juvenile justice, recycling to adult education, parks to the management of debt, public health to e-governance, Innovations applications reflect the full scope of government activity. 
 
I am asking each of you to make a special effort to identify a creative and effective government initiative that would present a compelling award application.  Please keep in mind that every unit of government—federal, state, local, tribal and territorial—within the United States is eligible.  And, given the wide reach, expertise and civic engagement of our Fellowship, you surely will have some excellent and deserving candidates!  Please submit your nominations at www.innovationsaward.harvard.edu.   Applications are due October 15. 
 
Winners receive national press attention, serve as examples of model programs worthy of replication, and spark research and teaching cases at schools across the nation.  Perhaps most important, however, the award serves as a fitting tribute to the hard work and dedication that you and your colleagues devote to the public trust.  I really do hope you will take the time to participate.

More information on the Ash Institute can be found at http://www.ashinstitute.harvard.edu/Ash/

Don't be shy. They've given many of these awards over the years, and many IT-related projects have won them. But never to people who didn't enter the contest.

Best regards,

Jerry