Collaboration: The Future of Governance

The thesis of this paper is that collaboration-the public and private spheres working together while recognizing the legitimate role of each-should play a major role in making these important decisions. Can collaboration diminish the rancor? Certainly not on its own, but it can lead people to recognize that others are listening and trying to reach appropriate decisions. That alone has powerful political consequences.' Should the procedures described here be used for all public decisions?

Of course not. But they should be considered for major ones precisely because they are effective, and a form of collaboration-a recognition that others have important viewpoints-should indeed pervade decision-making. Importantly, collaboration calls for strong and confident leadership on the part of both government and private parties. It is not to be confused with either being a bully or a wimp.