Closing the Impact Gap

As a new generation of spaces, Policy Labs are putting in practice experimental thinking and coming up with out-of-the-box solutions that can induce positive change. Apart from their differences in mandate, methods and affiliation, Labs are going for open, bottom-up or citizen-led processes, characterized by intense idea brainstorming, problem reframing, early needs assessment, co-creation, prototyping and testing before large scale deployment. A number of Labs have popped up, from MindLab in Denmark, La 27eme Region in France or LabX in Portugal (just to name a few in Europe), and even at the heart of the European Commission (EU Policy Lab). Within the current panorama, Lab practitioners and the "converted" underline experimentation's added value in spurring innovation in policy-making. The most innovative ideas don't arise from closed settings, but instead in real-life contexts or hybrid spaces with freedom to collaborate with others and try out risky processes. But just how far Labs have gone in implementing this narrative? What are the most pressing gaps to address for the near future when looking for success and scalability?

FIGUEIREDO DO NASCIMENTO Susana; 

2017-11-13

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

JRC106084