http://www.innovations.harvard.edu This dynamic portal produced by the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government brings you timely examples of government innovation. Here you will find news and features, and opportunities to connect with practitioners and policy makers like yourself. en-us Copyright 2009, Government Innovators Network Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:56:00 -0500 Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:56:00 -0500 info@innovations.harvard.edu http://www.innovations.harvard.edu/news/886094.html Recently the NYC Planning Dept. announced its 100th rezoning since Bloomberg took office. This article takes a spin through the city's remarkable shift in the last 50 years away from industry to business and tourism and a sustainable approach. read more http://www.innovations.harvard.edu/news/885785.html Since Twitter evolved from obscurity to media obsession (yes, we see the irony in that comment), an entire new economy has launched around the platform, including social media consultants offering advice on the best way for organizations to conduct themselves on this new social medium. The advice, called everything from twitter manners to twitterquette, provides at the very least some puzzling new words and fodder for punchlines. But how to behave amidst the deep crevasses of the twitterverse is far more important than learning all the vernacular. Two federal agencies provide an excellent ... http://www.innovations.harvard.edu/news/881293.html Gudjon Mar Gudjonsson is not your typical entrepreneur. Though he has founded numerous high tech companies his first at the age of 17 and is clearly the sort of businessman that companies like Google and Microsoft recruit, Mr. Gudjonsson has instead chosen to devote his time and technological know-how to a think tank called the Ministry of Ideas. The groups mission is no less attention-getting than its name: it is pursing how Icelanders can breakdown hierarchies that elevate people like himself far above the rest of society in the first place.  I am a big fan of an active democracy ... http://www.innovations.harvard.edu/news/881161.html Any attempts to tamper with the vote are easily detected. http://www.innovations.harvard.edu/news/880022.html There is an ever-increasing need for public CIOs and CTOs to do more with less. Companies involved with business intelligence and analytics know the market is getting tougher for traditional vendors who require up-front costs, ongoing maintenance and multi-year commitments. The new modus operandi is much simpler: No hardware, no software, ... http://www.innovations.harvard.edu/news/879382.html The rule, to take effect July 1, requires banks to get customers' OK for the fees, which have been a growing source of profit for banks. Those who decline will see transactions rejected. Flexing newfound muscle as consumer protector, the Federal Reserve today banned overdraft fees on automated teller machine and debit-card transactions unless consumers have actively opted for an overdraft protection service. http://www.innovations.harvard.edu/news/879216.html How do you avoid a blizzard of budget-busting overtime and still remove the snow from Chicago streets? http://www.innovations.harvard.edu/news/879093.html Parking by the Giants Stadium costs $1 less an hour than before the pilot program began, but on 'game days', the rate shoots up four-fold. Parking rates are not set daily but hourly by time of day, and have become quite profitable. read more http://www.innovations.harvard.edu/news/879089.html Mexico City's Metrobus system received an award from Harvard University on Thursday, and the country has announced plans to build more such transit systems. http://www.innovations.harvard.edu/news/878116.html This editorial from Karrie Jacobs suggests that we can find smarter uses for the interstate highway system. read more http://www.innovations.harvard.edu/news/877944.html U.S. veterans receiving medical care are monitored with cell phones. http://www.innovations.harvard.edu/news/877220.html http://www.innovations.harvard.edu/news/875144.html Michael Danny can't say whether he learned anything the July night police arrested him at his Monroeville home for bloodying his wife's nose and arms and choking his 18-year-old daughter. http://www.innovations.harvard.edu/news/874722.html Includes business opportunities, guidance on adjusting to civilian employment and more. http://www.innovations.harvard.edu/news/872730.html The National League of Cities will receive a $4 million gift from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to improve coordination of services that are provided to students by colleges and their host communities. The recipient cities are located in five different states. Phoenix and Mesa, Arizona, along with San Francisco and Riverside, California, will [...]