Printer-friendly versionInnovation can be defined as the implementation of a significant change in the way the Government operates or in the products and services it provides. While there can be innovation at all levels of the results chain, as far as citizens and clients of government are concerned they care about the final benefits from innovation. In other words, we need to make a distinction between means and ends.
The focus of our practice is on managerial and administrative innovations in Government departments
We have experience in assisting government departments with the design and development of Innovation Action Plans (IAPs) to create a culture of innovation in the Government department to promote administrative and managerial innovation. However, it is not meant to achieve isolated and random innovations. Rather, the IAP should set in motion institutional changes that will create a culture within the department to encourage, identify, celebrate and reward managerial and administrative innovations. This explains why we do not start our work in this area by rewarding innovations but start by rewarding creation of an eco-system that generates sustainable innovations on a continuous and consistent basis in the future. Towards that end, we follow the following step-bystep approach:
Step 1: Develop an Action Plan for generating innovations
Step 2: Implement the Action Plan
Step 3: Measure the quantity and quality of innovations
What is Innovation in Government?
Innovation can be defined as the implementation of a significant change in the way the Government operates or in the products and services it provides. Innovation can cover the entire results chain depicted below:
While there can be innovation at all levels of the results chain, as far as citizens and clients of government are concerned they care about the final benefits from innovation. In other words, we need to make a distinction between means and ends.
Community for Innovation in Government
The focus of this Community of Practice is on managerial and administrative innovations in Government departments. Ultimately, innovation in Government that matters is defined as a significant and sustainable improvement in the following:
(a). Delivery of goods and services
(i). at less cost (ii). in less time (iii). with more transparency (iv) with least disruption (v) with organizational restructurong or chang
Points (i - iv) are often reffered to as Process Innovation. A process innovation is the implementation of a method for the production and provision of products, that is new or significantly improved compared to existing processes in your entity. This may involve significant improvements in for example, equipment and/or skills. This also includes significant improvements in support functions such as IT, accounting and purchasing.
Point a (v) is referred to as an ‘Organisational Innovation’ is the implementation of a new method for organising or managing work that differs significantly from existing methods in your entity. This includes new or significant improvements to management systems or workplace organisation.
(b). Delivery of more goods or services
(i) More quantity (ii) Better quality
Point b(ii) mentioned above is referred to as ‘Product Innovation.” A product innovation is the introduction of a product that is new or significantly improved compared to existing products in your entity. This includes significant improvements in the products’ characteristics, in user access or in how it is used.
(c). Indentification of new needs (hence new goods and services)
(articulated and non-ariculated)
Sometimes this involves what is referred to as Communication Innovation. It involves implementation of a new method of promoting the entity or its products, or new methods to influence the behaviour of individuals or others. These must differ significantly from existing communication methods in your entity.
To qualify as innovation, the improvement in categories ‘a’ and ‘b’ mentioned above should be 20 percent or more. Further, it should not be a one-time improvement but a permanent change.
Material on Innovation
- Guidelines for Innovation Action Plan
- Extension of deadline for submission of Innovation Action Plan
Userful links
| TechPedia | NIF India | SRISTI |
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| OECD on Public Sector Innovation | European Commission on Public Sector Innovation | European Social Innovation Research |
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| Australia | United Kingdom | |
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