Bloomberg Philanthropies & OECD
2021
Bloomberg Philanthropies & OECD
The report titled "Enhancing Innovation Capacity in City Government" presents findings from a survey conducted by the OECD and Bloomberg Philanthropies, focusing on how cities are adapting through innovation. As urban environments evolve, local governments are increasingly turning to innovative practices as a tool for transformation. This report highlights the importance of understanding the mechanisms behind public sector innovation and how they can be fostered within city administrations. The survey encompassed 89 cities from both OECD and non-OECD economies, aiming to assess their capacity for innovation. It delves into the various resources that local governments possess—human, financial, and institutional—and how these resources can be leveraged to enhance their innovative capabilities. By examining these factors, the report seeks to provide insights into the strategies cities are employing to stimulate innovation within their public sectors. Furthermore, the report outlines the different approaches cities are taking to innovate, including staffing structures, financial resources, and data usage. It also evaluates the outcomes of these initiatives, particularly concerning the well-being of residents. The findings underscore the significance of innovation in improving public services and fostering a responsive governance model that can meet the evolving needs of urban populations. In conclusion, this document serves as a valuable resource for understanding the current landscape of urban innovation. It provides actionable insights for city leaders and policymakers aiming to enhance their innovation capacity and ultimately improve the quality of life for their constituents.
Cities are reinventing themselves to adapt and respond to their evolving contexts. One instrument that local government is leveraging is innovation. To understand how cities approach public sector innovation, the OECD and Bloomberg Philanthropies carried out a survey on innovation capacity across 89 cities in OECD countries and non-OECD economies. The focus of the survey was to unpack the capacity to innovate in the local public sector and explore the resources – human, financial, and institutional – and how they can work to boost innovation in a city. This report explores the approaches and goals, staffing and structure, data, financial resources, and evaluation efforts that local administrations are making to innovate. It also reviews the outcomes that are resulting from these measures, especially related to resident well-being.