We live in a world of dramatic change, be it with regard to political concepts,
understanding of ¿Good Governance¿, the role and understanding of technology or other
determinants of our life. Part and result of that are changing ideas about the state¿s role
in sustainable development. Different ideas about what the state is best capable to do led
to critical choices about what to do and what not to do ¿ and this had practical
consequences. In addition, the value of macroeconomic stability and fiscal discipline for
economic development is today better understood ¿ this again led to consistent efforts to
close budget deficits.