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
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.
CASE STUDY
Convening for Collaborative Innovation in Mecklenburg County
In Mecklenburg County, NC, intermediaries and thoughtfully designed protocols led to investments in civic infrastructure.
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.
MORE INSIGHTS
Discover More Public Innovation News
Get more insights on opportunities, new resources, inspiration, and news from cities across the globe from the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins.
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.
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.