The GovLab | Innovation Skills Accelerator

ProjectsInnovation Skills Accelerator

Innovation Skills Accelerator

A free, online program to train public entrepreneurs to use innovative methods, including design thinking, evidence-based decisionmaking and collective intelligence, to solve public problems.

Background

The Innovation Skills Accelerator (InSA) is a free, online program to train public officials to leverage new technology and data to drive innovation in their day-to-day work, and tap into the intelligence and expertise of residents in their jurisdictions. Developed by the Governance Lab in collaboration with the State of New Jersey, this program aims to help public entrepreneurs -- those passionate individuals who want to get better at designing public interest projects and taking them from idea to implementation -- work differently.

Partners

State of New Jersey

Description

The Innovation Skills Accelerator includes video instruction, interviews with leading public sector innovators from around the world, readings, and self-assessments. Course content spans an array of subject areas, such as introductions to new technologies like blockchain and big data analytics, utilizing modern methodologies such as user-centered design and open innovation, and employing experimental design approaches.

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Results & Impact

Over 400 participants in the state of New Jersey are enrolled in the Innovation Skills Accelerator. The course is also being replicated in Germany and Australia.