Designing a Survey of Government Innovation in Public Service

In 2015, the General Assembly of the United Nations approved 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for a better and more sustainable global future. In 2018, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched the Accelerator Labs network in 91 locations covering 115 countries to support their progress towards achieving the SDGs. The labs are a unique effort to foster innovation and find context-sensitive development solutions. Two years after the labs’ establishment, a team of SIPA graduate students partnered with UNDP to develop a survey that maps the current state of public sector innovation (PSI) in Accelerator Lab countries and provides a baseline for impact assessments.

After substantial literature review, in-depth consultations, and focus groups with more than 50 Accelerator Lab representatives and experts from the field, the team developed a baseline survey, relevant tools for survey administration, and a preliminary plan for data analysis. The team also created a website that will facilitate the team’s transition out of the project. The survey represents the first comprehensive cross-national survey that covers over 100 countries that are mostly from the Global South. Thus, this work not only helps generate important knowledge that will shape innovation practices in the participating countries; but it also demonstrates the necessity to move away from previous norms and perceptions according to which innovation should only be studied in the Global North. In addition, the survey will enable UNDP to identify opportunities and common challenges in the public sector innovation ecosystem where the Accelerator Labs can add value, and also help facilitate exchanges and dialogues with national governments and other key stakeholders.