Innovation Through Partnerships: Four Capabilities for Local Governments

Innovation Through Partnerships:
Four Capabilities for Local Governments

This research portfolio, led by former Bloomberg Public Innovation Fellow Tommi Laitio (2022-24), explores how partnerships, when guided by four core capabilities, can help city governments collaborate more effectively and deliver creative, innovative outcomes for residents. 

Through an examination of cities across the Americas and Europe, this research brief and companion case studies introduce four essential capabilities: navigation, convening, experimentation, and codification. Together, they form a practical model for building strong partnerships in local government that strengthen collaboration, improve services, and foster democratic legitimacy through innovation.  

Related Resources

CASE STUDY

An Everybody Institution: Experimentation in the LA Public Library

Learn how LAPL leaders, library branches, and service areas pilot new programs and create lasting impact through a culture and structure of experimentation.

CASE STUDY

Convening for Collaborative Innovation in Mecklenburg County

In Mecklenburg County, NC, intermediaries and thoughtfully designed protocols led to investments in civic infrastructure.

ARTICLE

Why Cities Should Embrace Friction in Partnerships

Friction—the dynamic that arises from competing priorities, differing expectations, or variations in resources—is everywhere. Local governments are no exception.

RESEARCH BRIEF

Innovation Through Partnerships: Four Capabilities

Explore how friction in cities can be a force for collaboration and creativity through four essential capabilities: navigation, convening, experimentation, and codification.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Meet Former Bloomberg Public Innovation Fellow, Tommi Laitio

Tommi Laitio brings over a decade of public service and city hall expertise and research focused on driving better results for residents.

ARTICLE

Tension Can Add Invaluable Dimension to Innovation

Friction can actually be a vital ingredient that spices up the innovation process and, in doing so, unlocks new levels of resources and solutions.

Upcoming Opportunities

Public Innovators Network

The Public Innovators Network welcomes local government leaders and staff who are committed to using innovation, data, collaboration, and resident engagement to deliver exceptional results for people. It is the premier place to learn from one another and access cutting-edge resources and support from Bloomberg Philanthropies.

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Explore & Engage

The Path to Public Innovation Playbook and Toolkit offer comprehensive guidance designed for city leaders and practitioners aiming to build innovation capacity, improve resident outcomes, and promote trust in government. Featuring lessons from i-teams in cities across the globe, the Playbook and Toolkit provide practical frameworks to deliver impact and achieve systems-level transformation.

Learn More