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Glancing Backward, Peering Ahead: Page 3 of 3

Science resuscitated. The past eight years have been a tough time for sciences and scientists in the public sector. Cronyism ran rampant in the administration of numerous federal science panels and departments; unqualified third parties (some with clear conflicts of interest) were allowed to influence, edit, or even rewrite research studies and reports; and pseudo-science and scientists gained prominence far out of keeping with the value of their ideas.

In truth, the devaluation of science eventually rolls down into the IT industry, reducing students' interest in scientific disciplines and limiting the availability of home-grown scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. Despite recognition of the value IT can bring to a wide range of government efforts and programs in the public interest, recent years have witnessed far more failures than progress. Recent cabinet appointments by Barack Obama suggest the president-elect intends to act forcefully to reverse these trends, and we hope to see the first fruits of these changes in 2009.

Charles King, President and Principal Analyst for research firm Pund-IT Inc. , focuses on business technology evolution and interpreting the effects these changes will have on vendors, their customers, and the greater IT marketplace.