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Created by the Public Governance Directorate

This website was created by the OECD Observatory of Public Sector Innovation (OPSI), part of the OECD Public Governance Directorate (GOV).

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Public service as living lab

This innovation involves using a public service as a "living lab" to test solutions in a real-world context. The living lab methodology in a public service setting involves collaboration between citizens, public servants, and experts to develop, test, and refine solutions in a real-world setting. This approach ensures solutions are aligned with user needs and validated in the actual environment where they will be implemented.

Innovation Summary

Innovation Overview

The innovation seeks to address the challenge of ensuring that solutions developed for public services are truly aligned with user needs and function effectively in real-world settings. The traditional approach of developing solutions in isolated laboratory environments often fails to capture the complexities and nuances of actual service delivery contexts. This can lead to solutions that are poorly adopted or fail to deliver the intended benefits. The innovation is the establishment of "living labs" within public service spaces. A living lab is an experimental space where citizens, public servants, and experts collaborate to develop, test, and refine solutions in the real-world environment where they will be implemented. This iterative and participatory approach allows for continuous feedback and improvement, ensuring that the solutions are user-centered and meet the specific needs of the target audience. The primary objective of this innovation is to create a more effective and responsive process for developing and implementing solutions in public services. This includes:
  • Promoting citizen and public servant contributions in the development of solutions
  • Testing solutions related to both face-to-face and technological services
  • Ensuring the active involvement of partners in the innovation ecosystem
  • Gathering learning to improve solutions through iterative development
  • Disseminating learning throughout Public Administration to promote a culture of experimentation and evaluation
The future of this innovation involves its institutionalization and scaling. The sources highlight the potential for establishing living labs in a variety of public service settings, from citizen shops to tax offices. Key aspects for successful institutionalization include:
  • Selection of suitable spaces with characteristics favorable to experimentation
  • Identification and involvement of appropriate partners and experts
  • Careful planning and commitment from all stakeholders
  • Establishment of clear goals and metrics for evaluation
Scaling up the living lab approach could involve:
  • Creating a network of living labs across different public service domains and geographical locations. This would allow for broader testing and refinement of solutions, as well as the sharing of best practices and lessons learned.
  • Developing a standardized framework and methodology for living lab implementation. This would ensure consistency and facilitate the replication of successful models.
  • Promoting the living lab approach as a key element of public sector innovation strategies.
By embedding the living lab concept within the culture and practices of public service delivery, it is possible to create a more agile and user-centric system for developing and implementing solutions that truly meet the needs of citizens and society.

Innovation Description

Innovation Development

Users, Stakeholders & Beneficiaries

The beneficiaries of this innovation are multifaceted: Citizens: They benefit from solutions that are better tailored to their needs and improve their experience with public services. Public Servants: They gain valuable insights into user needs and can contribute to developing more effective solutions. Public Entities: They can test and refine solutions in a real-world context before wider implementation, reducing risks and ensuring better outcomes. The Innovation Ecosystem: Collaboration between different stakeholders is fostered, leading to knowledge sharing and the development of stronger partnerships.

Innovation Reflections

Status:

Innovation provided by:

Date Published:

5 November 2024

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