But as they seek expertise, advice and early access to start-ups, they are increasingly turning to their former colleagues.
In large part, those orchestras were seeking expertise in contemporary and American programming like that Mr. Thomas has long demonstrated.
For household appliances and consumer electronics, for example, people nowadays prefer to visit the store only to browse, compare and seek expertise.
The department is seeking expertise in infrastructure engineering, landscape design, urban design, architecture, land-use planning, industrial design and other specialized fields.
"I don't think we will have all the answers, but it is important to seek expertise in these still very young issues," he said.
Each month, the Singapore Cooperation Enterprise, which has a full-time staff of 20, receives about 10 foreign delegations seeking expertise in areas like infrastructure development, master planning and water treatment.
Since his election, Trump has conducted a series of phone calls with foreign leaders, without seeking expertise from those at the State Department and the National Security Council who monitor the details of those relationships.
