Course Overview Note: Public Sector Innovation and Leadership in the Age of Digital Technology

Abstract

This course is based on the hypothesis that digital technology will transform the way government operates, and (if properly implemented) these technologies have the potential to create significant public value. However, digital technology in the public sector often does not reach its full potential due to some combination of: bad and/obsolete implementation, poor design, and so on. To take advantage of this opportunity, and prevent continued failures, we need public sector leaders who (while not necessarily digital experts) know how to ask experts the right questions, have a vision of what can be achieved with these technologies, and the skills to lead innovation. This semester-long survey course is intended for Masters of Public Policy, and Masters of Public Administration, students who (although not technology specialists) will likely be called on: to supervise, provide advice about, or otherwise be involved with, digital technology projects in the public or not-for-profit sectors.