In recent years, innovation labs have become an important feature in the ongoing efforts of public administrations across Europe to foster innovation through more permanent institutional arrangements. The European Public Sector Award (EPSA) plays a crucial role in recognising such innovation and, therefore, contributes to the collection and better understanding of these labs, driving experimentation and transformational change. This policy briefing reviews the growing literature on innovation labs to clarify the concepts and rationales behind them. Moreover, drawing on a database of 151 applications to EPSA in 2023–24 and selected examples from previous years, this briefing provides insights into how public administrations utilise innovation labs to foster innovation.
Best practices for achieving this include:
- directly linking innovation labs to governmental strategies, such as modernisation plans or sustainability goals;
- securing dedicated funding and resources, including human resources; investing in skills development and training; and building interdisciplinary teams to enable innovative solutions;
- developing a communication strategy that increases awareness and support among stakeholders;
- using innovation labs as training hubs to educate stakeholders, regulators, and specialists on innovative practices;
- supporting an organisational culture open to experimentation and innovation through guidance, mentorship, and opportunities for employees to engage in projects; and integrating successful outcomes from experimentation into standard operations.
Learn more about all EPSA 2023-24 projects here.