Management Practice Insights

Abstract

Problem of practice: The world over, some of the most challenging and resource-intensive areas of development are entrusted to the state. Basic infrastructure such as utilities, public healthcare, public transport, rail, roads and ports – often face long gestation periods for return on capital, and tricky issues of land acquisition, environmental impact, and pricing of a public good. Such issues lend these assets to state ownership, especially in developing countries. State enterprises are fundamental to long-term health of the economy. Unfortunately, state enterprises are often marred by red tape and political indifference or interference, and are rarely associated with innovation. Sometimes though, there do emerge bureaucrats who succeed in moving mountains. What differentiates these individual innovators and how do we identify them? Research by Vassallo and team identifies the traits of such individuals.¹ This essay highlights the importance of such public sector intrapreneurs, and elaborates an approach to finding these rare talents