This UN publication leads us through the journey of innovation by analysing the challenges and opportunities that governments in this region have faced to improve their public administration systems. All the innovations highlighted in this publication are significant – whether the innovation is large or small, in one government institution or across the board, a successful transformation or merely a small, first step on the way to reform - they indicate each country’s willingness to change, to be open to new ways of thinking and acting in reforming government.

This book is divided into three parts. Part One provides an overview of successful practices that were nominated for the United Nations Public ServiceAwards between 2003 and 2006 from across the region. Part Two offers case studies of specific innovations implemented in eleven Mediterranean countries. Part Three examines key lessons drawn from the cases presented on what promotes innovation in government.