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
CASE STUDY
Convening for Collaborative Innovation in Mecklenburg County
ARTICLE
Why Cities Should Embrace Friction in Partnerships
RESEARCH BRIEF
Innovation Through Partnerships: Four Capabilities
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Meet Former Bloomberg Public Innovation Fellow, Tommi Laitio
ARTICLE
Tension Can Add Invaluable Dimension to Innovation
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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.