The term "best practice"—long used in private sector feasibility studies and performance evaluation in Western countries—has recently become a buzzword in public administration reform in Central and Eastern Europe. The term is increasingly used to refer to successful, innovative solutions to public sector problems. Best practices are defined in many ways:

Systematically collecting and disseminating new solutions—products of individual and communal creativity that have proved effective in practice—is the basic innovation technique in social, community, and public service. Major international, national, and regional development programs are based on them. Policymakers have begun to recognize that by incorporating best practices of others, they can reduce the risk associated with research and pilot schemes, thereby speeding up the development process.

The range of stakeholders is broad. Primary user groups include citizens (the end-users of all services and benefits), voluntary organizations, politicians and community leaders, experts in public administration and public service, the business sector, research and development organizations, and central, regional, and local governments.

The collection and dissemination of already proven practices is less expensive and involves much less risk than experimenting with new practices. Best-practice information systems can be powerful tools for building capacity, analyzing current trends, networking and exchanging information, engaging in technical cooperation and forming partnerships, involving citizens, and making organizations more competitive and effective.

Monitoring press reports is an ffective method of collecting information on best practices. It is generally applied as a preparatory technique, as the level of detail and accuracy of press reports varies. Supplementary research methods include organizing target-oriented research projects; issuing "calls for tenders" on creating good solutions, documenting existing innovations, and writing case studies; purchasing descriptions; studying the literature on benchmark analysis; and collecting information through innovation networks of associations, unions, and other organizations.