The new kid on the block has arrived. Ideas That Work: The Public Sector Innovation Journal promises to contri-bute immensely to the body of knowledge on innovation in the public sector. The purpose of this journal is to establish, produce and sustain an appealing, top-level, informative and popular learning tool that will sensitise the target audience to a broad range of issues pertaining to innovation in the public sector.

Aligned to its mandate, the CPSI was tasked to develop this pocket guide for use by public servants at all levels, and other stakeholders working towards achieving the ideals of a better life for all. This document is part of our effort towards the creation of a peoplecentred and people-driven public sector that is continuously seeking new, creative and better ways to serve our people.

The e-government Gateway project is primarily concerned with making government services available to the citizens of the country through the innovative use of information and communication technologies. However, the project is not primarily about technology but about achieving improved service for the majority of citizens. The research objective was to conduct an analysis and assessment of existing and suitable access channels for egovernment services, taking account of lessons from international initiatives and local realities.

The formulation of the e-Government Gateway access strategy is led by the Centre for Public Service Innovation (CPSI) in partnership with the Department of Public Service andAdministration (DPSA) and the State Information Technology Agency (SITA), an agency falling under the Ministry of Public Service and Administration. The consortium comprised of Mohlaleng Strategy Consultants, the Wits LINK Centre and Sangonet were contracted to conduct research to inform the development of an access strategy for the e-government Gateway.

In this Newsletter we capture the body of knowledge that was generated at that inaugural conference of the CPSI for future reference and knowledge sharing. In order to ensure that this conference does not become just another ‘talk shop’, which South Africa really does not need, it is essential that the knowledge shared and gained be put into practice by all stakeholders. Implementation will contribute to the success of South Africa’s quest for competitive advantage in the global village.