More on OPM's Innovation Lab

Last week I was critical of the Office of Personnel Management's efforts to develop an innovation lab in the basement of its Washington headquarters to test unique technologies, workspace configurations and other flexible workplace tools. The goal of the innovation lab is to combat both the myth and reality of a government slow to adopt new technologies, but now, two years later, it's "still a work in progress," according to OPM.

Max Stier, president of the Partnership for Public Service, told Wired Workplace earlier this week, however, that despite the delays, OPM's efforts should be applauded for trying to challenge the existing way of doing business in government.

"In a time of great financial stress both as a country and certainly in government, we have to be even more careful with resources," Stier said. "The important point is OPM is trying to create an environment in which agencies can engage with each other and think more creatively about solving challenges."

Stier noted that any change to the status quo in government is going to be a struggle and take time. "Government has to be able to respond more quickly, and it has to look at the way it does business to do so," he said. "And that includes not only using technology but challenging the traditional hierarchy of government."