In which stage of the service lifecycle is governance established?

Governance is a critical component of the ITIL framework, particularly in ensuring that all organizational actions align with overall business objectives. In the service lifecycle, governance is primarily established during the service strategy stage.

This stage focuses on defining the services that will provide value to customers and ensuring that they align with the organization's strategy and objectives. Governance in this context involves setting the policies and overarching framework needed to manage resources, risks, and service delivery effectively.

By establishing governance early in the service lifecycle, organizations can create a solid foundation for decision-making, prioritization of initiatives, and performance management throughout later stages such as design, transition, and continual improvement. Thus, service strategy plays a vital role in aligning IT services with business strategies and ensuring a structured approach to meeting organizational goals.