New Study Shows Interagency Collaboration Critical to 'Smart Power' but Barriers to Integration Persist

MCLEAN, Va., Nov. 18, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Two-thirds of federal executives believe interagency collaboration is "critical" to solving geopolitical issues – and will increase mission effectiveness – but better communication and clearer directives on partnerships must be put in place to ensure success, according to a new study on the concept of "Smart Power" released this week by Government Business Council and Booz Allen Hamilton.

The study examined the views of executives at the Department of Defense, the Department of State and U.S. Agency for International Development on Smart Power – that is, the integrated application of defense, diplomacy and development to addressing today's evolving threats. Findings revealed that while Federal employees are aware of the benefits of a collaborative Smart Power approach, there are significant barriers that may limit its implementation and success.

The study's key findings include:

• 85 percent of federal executives are familiar with the concept of Smart Power and believe it can be applied to a wide variety of geopolitical challenges, particularly humanitarian assistance; stabilization/reconstruction; and conflict prevention.
• Respondents were not confident that the U.S. Government can fully implement Smart Power, reinforcing the importance of coordinating with the private sector and nongovernmental organizations, among others, to implement Smart Power solutions effectively.
• Significant barriers to collaboration exist between U.S. Government agencies. A lack of strategic vision is hindering Smart Power's full capabilities.  
• Chief among the obstacles to more effective collaboration are ineffective lines of communication and a lack of clear interagency policies.
• Increased collaboration will make missions more likely to succeed – improving efficiency, reducing duplication of efforts and cutting costs.

"This study brings to light those challenges that can serve as barriers to 'Smart Power,'" said Don Pressley, Senior Vice President at Booz Allen. "The next step is to put into place real incentives to engender authentic collaboration, the linchpin of 'Smart Power'. Only then will the U.S. reap the benefits of this multidisciplinary approach."

Bryan Klopack, director, Government Business Council, added "the study captures federal executives' enthusiasm for 'Smart Power'– with more than 80 percent of respondents predicting that Smart Power will lead to overall mission success. But we also identified a number of challenges that can limit more effective collaboration on geopolitical issues. "

To listen to the archived Webinar, visit this site: http://event.on24.com/r.htm?e=260702&s=1&k=BCB0B88F4FCAF9DAEEE307C343D903E8

About Government Business Council (GBC)

As Government Executive Media Group's research intelligence division, Government Business Council (GBC) is dedicated to advancing the business of government through analysis, insight and analytical independence. As an extension of Government Executive's 40 years of exemplary editorial standards and a commitment to the highest ethical values, GBC studies influential decision-makers from across the federal government to produce intelligence-based research and analysis.

About Booz Allen Hamilton

Booz Allen Hamilton is a leading provider of management and technology consulting services to the US government in the defense, intelligence and civil markets. Booz Allen is headquartered in McLean, Virginia, employs more than 25,100 people, and had revenue of approximately $5 billion in its latest fiscal year.

SOURCE Booz Allen Hamilton