Improving the Local Landscape for Innovation (Part 2): Framework for an Innovative Jurisdiction

Abstract

The following was originally published by the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government as part of its Occasional Papers Series.

Twenty-five years of Innovations in American Government Awards at the Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government provide a testament to the creativity of public servants tackling challenging issues in health care, social services and community and economic development. Without question, government officials can be innovators themselves. But they can also help unleash innovation in their cities and communities by connecting local entrepreneurs, enacting favorable policy changes and mobilizing citizens behind reform. In the first paper of this miniseries, the authors introduced intentional strategies to promote local innovation, highlighting efforts in Boston, Denver and New York City. The authors then briefly presented their framework for understanding what is required to nurture a fertile landscape for innovation in local public problem solving. To begin a more structured exploration, this paper discusses the roots, composition and supporting evidence of the framework.