A One Site Stop for Government Innovation
August 29, 2006
One of the coolest things about the internet today is the ease of finding a forum, discussion portal, or weblog on almost any conceivable topic. Innovation in the government is no exception. Google ‘government innovation’ and the first result is a portal called The Government Innovators Network, a site sponsored and run by The Ash Institute for Democratic Governance & Innovation at Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. In one location, you can find news and current events articles on innovation, a detailed list and of awards and award-winning innovative programs, as well as a variety of innovation events across the US. The site presents government innovation information spanning a huge array of topics: criminal justice, public safety, the environment and natural resources, public infrastructure, and even technology. I was particularly interested to hear webcasts by experts on innovation, and to browse the ‘themes’ of innovation- archived articles, categorized by trends of innovation in the government such as improving accountability or efficiency.
Innovation is one the greatest tools of a change agent, and this consolidated source of information on the subject serves as a valuable resource for those looking to become change agents. The "About us" section verifies the site’s purpose:
The Government Innovators Network is a marketplace of ideas and examples of government innovation for policy makers, policy advisors, and practitioners...we strive to stimulate new ideas and bring people and ideas together around innovations in governance...By engaging a broad, global community in which knowledge is shared, by generating and supporting research and curriculum materials, and by highlighting exemplary government programs, the Ash Institute serves as a catalyst for successfully addressing many of the world's most pressing concerns and, in turn, improving the lives of its citizens. The Government Innovators Network is just one of the initiatives supported by the Institute in its efforts to strengthen understanding and stimulate discourse on the principles and practices of democracy.
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