{"id":23230,"date":"2021-01-27T08:58:02","date_gmt":"2021-01-27T07:58:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oecd-opsi.org\/?p=23230"},"modified":"2022-03-01T14:36:00","modified_gmt":"2022-03-01T13:36:00","slug":"identifying-public-sector-innovation-networks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/oecd-opsi.org\/blog\/identifying-public-sector-innovation-networks\/","title":{"rendered":"Identifying public sector innovation networks"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Asking people to do things or think differently is not always welcome. In the public sector, new things are often (or can seem<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;to be<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">) in competition with existing work or priorities. This is one reason why we at OPSI strongly support public sector innovation networks (and communities or practice \/ forums \/ etc.). They can be valuable means to connect with like-minded others who you can learn from, share with and sometimes just vent to about frustrations or challenges. In this blog post I\u2019d like to reflect a little on why we see these forums as being important an<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">d<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;seek your help in identifying and cataloguing the different relevant networks, formal and informal, that exist when it comes to public sector innovation.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;469777462&quot;:[850,1191,1531],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,1,1]}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-opsi-heading-2-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The power of public sector networks<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240,&quot;469777462&quot;:[850,1191,1531],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,1,1]}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Public sector jurisdictions around the world have many&nbsp;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">networks and communities of practice<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">to help employees to share lessons, better understand how to navigate and be effective within government, and to connect like-minded or like-function people from across teams, organisations or sectors. In my own career I\u2019ve been part of or involved with a horizon scanning network, a policy visualisation network, a strategic policy network, a leadership network, a procurement forum,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;a<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;change management network, a design thinking network, a&nbsp;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">govcamp<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\/<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">GovHack<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;network, a public sector innovation network, and many more besides. Some of these have been formal structures, others have been informal and more social, some have been run as part of people\u2019s jobs, some have been on-the-side things or outside of their work responsibilities, and some have been paid or facilitated by external commercial or not-for-profit catalysts and providers.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;469777462&quot;:[850,1191,1531],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,1,1]}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Whatever their form, the value of networks&nbsp;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">is<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">that they can connect shared interests, make it easier to learn from others who are doing similar work or who are facing similar challenges, and help explore and map out an emergent field of activity that is not yet \u2018mapped\u2019 to official responsibilities, job descriptions and organisational mandates.&nbsp;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Obviously,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;they can come in many different shapes and sizes, with very different purposes and operate in different ways, but I think there are some things that they have that are particularly useful or needed for innovation.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;469777462&quot;:[850,1191,1531],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,1,1]}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-opsi-heading-2-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Public sector innovation networks&nbsp;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240,&quot;469777462&quot;:[850,1191,1531],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,1,1]}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Innovation involves novelty, learning, uncertainty and emergent concepts, thinking and practices. To successfully undertake and introduce innovative projects and processes often requires patience, determination and resilience.&nbsp;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">So<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;it is an area where it can be especially important to be able to connect with and learn from others.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Unlike many other networks, p<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ublic sector innovation networks&nbsp;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">often&nbsp;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">help people learn from each other by<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;drawing on divergent experiences&nbsp;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">but with a shared basis of gaining insight into the process of introducing something novel <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">that has an impact.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;469777462&quot;:[850,1191,1531],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,1,1]}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-opsi-heading-3-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Inspiration and sharing ideas<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240,&quot;469777462&quot;:[850,1191,1531],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,1,1]}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Networks can help provide the comfort and confidence to share your ideas. It can be intimidating to raise a new idea or to question how things are done, because you\u2019re exposing yourself, making yourself vulnerable to criticism or the fear that as a professional public servant you should have already known the answer or why something might not work.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-23235\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"187\" src=\"https:\/\/oecd-opsi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Wild-idea-300x187.png\" alt=\"Two figures under a heading 'Inspiration and sharing ideas' with one figure saying 'I've got a wild idea!' and the other 'They're all gonna laugh at you!'\" class=\"wp-image-23235\" srcset=\"https:\/\/oecd-opsi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Wild-idea-300x187.png 300w, https:\/\/oecd-opsi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Wild-idea-1024x638.png 1024w, https:\/\/oecd-opsi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Wild-idea-768x479.png 768w, https:\/\/oecd-opsi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Wild-idea-1536x957.png 1536w, https:\/\/oecd-opsi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Wild-idea.png 1828w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption>It\u2019s not always easy to make yourself vulnerable.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">An innovation dedicated (or adjacent) network can&nbsp;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">provide<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;a venue to gain inspiration, to share ideas without fear of them being ridiculed, or simply to challenge your own thinking about what might or should be possible. It can provide a space to test your ideas, to build them up rather than tear them down, and to connect and play with combinations of different ideas and&nbsp;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">strategies<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. From my own experience, these networks are a great space for conversations about learning about something others have done,&nbsp;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">immediately<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;followed by discussions of \u201cWhat did&nbsp;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">introducing<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;X involve?\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;469777462&quot;:[850,1191,1531],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,1,1]}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-opsi-heading-3-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Encouragement and validation<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240,&quot;469777462&quot;:[850,1191,1531],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,1,1]}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Another area where networks can help innovators is by simply being a source of encouragement and validation. In the day-to-day operations of your work it can take courage to propose something different and to have faith that what you are proposing is important and worthwhile. It is very easy within the context of business-as-usual work for colleagues, even well-intentioned and open-minded ones, to not welcome a new way of doing things that is asking them to work and think differently. The pressures of delivering what has already been agreed will often take precedence.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-23232\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"187\" src=\"https:\/\/oecd-opsi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Encouragement-300x187.png\" alt=\"Two figures under a heading 'encouragement and validation' talking to each other with one saying 'We just need to change some things for results' and the other 'Why would we want to do that?'\" class=\"wp-image-23232\" srcset=\"https:\/\/oecd-opsi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Encouragement-300x187.png 300w, https:\/\/oecd-opsi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Encouragement-1024x638.png 1024w, https:\/\/oecd-opsi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Encouragement-768x479.png 768w, https:\/\/oecd-opsi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Encouragement-1536x957.png 1536w, https:\/\/oecd-opsi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Encouragement.png 1884w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption>Asking people to change how they work can be a big deal.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A community of people also interested in questioning how things are currently done can act as a forum for discussing and welcoming different perspectives about what should be done, and where assessments about what is missing (or what might need to stop) can be validated (or not). Sometimes it can be extremely important just to hear from someone else \u201cThat\u2019s a great way of thinking about it\u201d, \u201cYes, we have a similar problem in our department\u201d, or even just \u201cI really like what you\u2019re trying to do\u201d.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;469777462&quot;:[850,1191,1531],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,1,1]}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-opsi-heading-3-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Advice and support<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240,&quot;469777462&quot;:[850,1191,1531],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,1,1]}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Another valuable element where innovation networks can have outsized impact is by acting as forums&nbsp;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">for<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">emergent<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;thinking and practices or simply sharing simple \u2018hacks\u2019 for how to navigate or get around bureaucratic hurdles. As anyone who has ever tried to navigate IT security or tried to get approval to spend less than they might spend on their own dinner for access to a particular web-service knows, sometimes it can just be hard to even start exploring a new idea. Yet precisely because it might be small and&nbsp;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">seemingly<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;minor,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;no one tends to have time or interest for trying to navigate the process or overcome the obstacles, often just pointing at unwieldy or cumbersome and unclear&nbsp;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">p<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">rocesses<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">and saying \u201cHere, you just need to complete these 23 steps\u201d. This is an entirely natural behaviour (<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">i<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">t\u2019s<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">only a small thing and we have an existing process after all), but to a potential innovator it can be extremely&nbsp;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">d<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ispiriting<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">and can act the same as saying \u201cGo away \u2026 please<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201d<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-23234\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"187\" src=\"https:\/\/oecd-opsi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Support-300x187.png\" alt=\"Two figures under the heading 'advice and support' with one of the figures saying 'Can I get some help to try something new?' and the other 'You can't sit with us'\" class=\"wp-image-23234\" srcset=\"https:\/\/oecd-opsi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Support-300x187.png 300w, https:\/\/oecd-opsi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Support-1024x638.png 1024w, https:\/\/oecd-opsi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Support-768x478.png 768w, https:\/\/oecd-opsi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Support-1536x957.png 1536w, https:\/\/oecd-opsi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Support-2048x1276.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption>Many people may not be keen to share their expertise and support for new ideas when they are focused on doing their existing role<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">An innovation network is a great space for being able to ask \u201cHas anyone else ever tried to ..?\u201d, \u201cHow did you get support to do ..?\u201d or \u201cHow did you overcome the guidance on requirement Z.xy?\u201d A lot of innovation success in the public sector comes down to being able to point to similar, if not exact, examples and arguing that there is some form of precedence. Decision makers, again quite naturally, often prefer to hear that someone else has done something before, as being the very first in the public sector comes with a high risk premium of gaining media or political attention. Being able to say, even loosely, that it was similar to or learnt from something done somewhere else is much less alarming. Innovation networks can help dramatically with the flow of such knowledge between teams and organisations.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;469777462&quot;:[850,1191,1531],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,1,1]}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-opsi-heading-3-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Understanding and shared experiences<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240,&quot;469777462&quot;:[850,1191,1531],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,1,1]}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Each of the previous elements are important, but perhaps the most valuable or consequential thing that I have seen networks do is reinvigorate people who are drained with trying to drive change in a system that does not want to be changed and remind them that they are not alone. One of the most daunting elements of trying to drive change and innovation is that it requires constant \u2018pushing\u2019 of some form from the proponent(s). This might be a leader having to repeatedly communicate and emphasise the same messages and convince people, structures and processes that yes, you really&nbsp;really&nbsp;mean it. Or it might be bottom-up led efforts where someone may have to navigate processes, repeatedly make a business case for what they are trying to do, and convincing leaders and peers alike that it is worthwhile. It\u2019s very easy for people in such situations to feel somewhat alone or that they are making mistakes that they somehow could have avoided while learning or introducing new things.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-23233\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"187\" src=\"https:\/\/oecd-opsi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Shared-experiences-300x187.png\" alt=\"Two figures under the heading 'Understanding and shared experiences' with one figure saying 'Everything I think and everything I do is wrong' and the other saying 'Yeah, same'.\" class=\"wp-image-23233\" srcset=\"https:\/\/oecd-opsi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Shared-experiences-300x187.png 300w, https:\/\/oecd-opsi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Shared-experiences-1024x638.png 1024w, https:\/\/oecd-opsi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Shared-experiences-768x478.png 768w, https:\/\/oecd-opsi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Shared-experiences-1536x957.png 1536w, https:\/\/oecd-opsi.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Shared-experiences.png 1819w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption>Questioning and challenging the status quo can be draining and confronting<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">An innovation network and related events provides an opportunity to connect with others and be re-energised by the recognition that you are not alone, that others are having similar experiences. I have had people say to me before about an innovation event that it gave them the strength to keep on trying with their own efforts. Simply knowing that others are facing similar issues can be immensely powerful.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;469777462&quot;:[850,1191,1531],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,1,1]}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-opsi-heading-2-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Innovation networks and the Declaration on Public Sector Innovation<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240,&quot;469777462&quot;:[850,1191,1531],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,1,1]}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For reasons such as these, there is even an explicit reference to networks in the&nbsp;<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/legalinstruments.oecd.org\/en\/instruments\/OECD-LEGAL-0450\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">OECD Declaration on Public Sector Innovation<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;(\u201cFoster networking and peer learning to help public servants learn and borrow from each other\u201d) and many of the elements listed above are woven into other parts of the Declaration. As someone once said to me&nbsp;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201c<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/328403157_A_Wayfinders_Guide_to_Systems_Transformation_18_insights_for_catalysts_and_convenors\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Relationships are the unit of change<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201d<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: \u201cIt is the interconnections between actors in the system that are the most important aspect of any transformational change effort. This is because systems are made up of interconnections. The degree of interconnection will depend on the focus but, from a systems perspective, the unit of change is relational not numerical.\u201d In the public sector it is very tempting to rely on rules and decrees to enforce change, but innovation asks people to change themselves \u2013 how they think, how they behave, how they relate to others \u2013 and so it will always come down to people. Networks are a great way to overlay a different pattern of relationships across complex arrangements of government agencies and&nbsp;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">structures, and<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;help the flow of insights and lessons move in different ways.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In this way innovation networks can be a great tool to support public sector innovation agendas at either an organisational level, a cross-sectoral or specific community level, or across the public&nbsp;sector as a whole.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;469777462&quot;:[850,1191,1531],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,1,1]}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-opsi-heading-2-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What networks are there?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240,&quot;469777462&quot;:[850,1191,1531],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,1,1]}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In short, we think innovation networks can be&nbsp;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">great<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;and a critical part of embedding innovation as a practice and into the culture<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">So<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;we would like to do a bit more of a cataloguing of what networks there are, and then perhaps to codify some of the lessons about what works for different networks at differing stages of maturity, sophistication and effort.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;469777462&quot;:[850,1191,1531],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,1,1]}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We are seeking your help in identifying any relevant networks. An added network does not have to be run by the public sector, but it should have demonstrated strong public sector involvement\/focus. We are seeking both open and closed networks (e.g.&nbsp;those with open membership and those that might be limited only to a particular audience).&nbsp;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;469777462&quot;:[850,1191,1531],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,1,1]}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You can add details of relevant networks on&nbsp;<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.notion.so\/Innovation-Networks-cbbf4dbc86754e369bafc9195dd4419e\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">this page<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559740&quot;:259,&quot;469777462&quot;:[850,1191,1531],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,1,1]}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We intend to publish a full validated list on our site and have it as a living resource.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Asking people to do things or think differently is not always welcome. In the public sector, new things are often (or can seem&nbsp;to be) in competition with existing work or priorities. This is one reason why we at OPSI strongly support public sector innovation networks (and communities or practice \/ forums \/ etc.). They can be valuable means to connect with like-minded others who you can learn from, share with and sometimes just vent to&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":29015,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[970,117],"tags":[],"global":[4511,4515],"coauthors":[1092],"class_list":["post-23230","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-innovation-declaration","category-innovation-tools","global-innovation-declaration","global-innovation-tools"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Identifying public sector innovation networks - 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