Innovation as a Tool for Good Governance

To strengthen public management in these areas, Unit, in collaboration with the Municipality of Peñalolén (Chile), the Intendancy of Cerro Largo (Uruguay), Mirada Ciudadana, and the Chilean Agency for International Development Cooperation (AGCID), developed the program “Innovation as a Tool for Good Governance.”

This program has engaged more than 60 public officials from 15 rural municipalities in Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay, and Chile, contributing to the modernization of citizen services through the implementation of innovation capabilities in municipal management.

Project Objective

The program aimed to:

1. Strengthen the innovation capacities of public officials in rural municipalities across Latin America.
2. Promote the modernization of municipal services through the design and implementation of public innovation projects.
3. Foster regional collaboration to share experiences and generate replicable solutions across the region.

Project Scope

• 60 public officials from Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay, and Chile.
• 15 rural municipalities involved.
• Four Latin American countries.

Methodology

The program utilized an experiential learning approach that introduced public officials to public innovation tools and methodologies. This approach included:

1. Modular Structure:

• Four virtual modules where participants learned the principles of innovation and human-centered design.
• One in-person module in Santiago, Chile, which allowed participants to exchange experiences and perspectives on the role of municipalities in creating better cities for Latin America.

2. Group Innovation Projects:

• Participants applied what they learned by developing conceptual prototypes to address specific problems in their local contexts.
• This practical approach ensured that new capabilities were translated into concrete, impactful projects.

Results

• 60 public officials acquired innovation skills and tools, enhancing their capacity to tackle local challenges.
• Development of concepts to address common issues in rural municipal management, laying the groundwork for concrete solutions in the future.
• Strengthening of a regional network of municipalities committed to innovation and collaboration.

The Municipality of Peñalolén, recognized for its leadership in public innovation in Chile, acted as a role model in this project, sharing its experience with other municipalities. This program has enabled the transfer of key knowledge and promoted a management model based on innovation, scalable to other contexts in Latin America.

The final in-person module, held in Santiago, marked a significant milestone by bringing participants together to reflect on the role of municipalities in creating more inclusive and sustainable cities.