National Center for Public Sector Innovation

The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ASPA as an organization.

By Marvin N. Pichla
October 18, 2024

As a regular article author for the American Society for Public Administration PA TIMES online publication, I promised I would make “INNOVATION” one of my main topics. This promise has enabled me to contribute at least one quarterly article per year primarily focused on creativity and non-traditional initiatives in the public sector. However, today I have to admit that until this moment I have not discussed my single, most significant idea in this area, the establishment of a National Center for Public Sector Innovation (NCPSI).

Let me describe what I am proposing.

The National Center for Public Sector Innovation would be formed to fill a void to build an inventory, share ideas and provide learning about public sector and private non-profit innovations at a level never before available. Public sector innovations (new and creative ways to deliver public service) are rarely recorded and often taken for granted by governmental and private non-profit organizations. Unlike the private sector where money is a motivator for new thoughts and products, the public sector is (and always has been) starved for innovation. NCPSI would respond to this void.

Membership in NCPSI would be open to share public service innovations effectively and efficiently. Potential members may include:

• Public administrators from federal, state and local levels
• Front-line public/private non-profit service workers
• Elected officials
• Educators
• Volunteer board members
• College students
• High school students

This proposed membership base would help extend NCPSI’s main principle which is: Innovation is only understood, appreciated and celebrated when it is shared. Because innovation in the public sector adds service value, NCPSI could have a positive impact on the lives of citizens everywhere.

A proposed virtual library of innovations solicited from the public/private non-profit sectors would be the most significant service of the NCPSI. Unique is the best word to describe the inclusive design of the NCPSI’s innovation recruitment and registration process. The NCPSI would allow for an open forum for identifying and contributing good public sector innovation ideas. There would be no long-term program/project/service evaluation demands for submitting an innovation. There would be no minimum or maximum fiscal or client-customer participation numbers. The main focus would be on each innovation’s potential for addressing a public sector problem or issue in a better way. This special structure would be critical because no person or group innovates at the same pace nor in the same way.

Innovations would be cataloged under the following major areas:

1. Community Development
2. Organizational Development
3. Workforce Development
4. Education Development
5. Business Development
6. Environmental Development

Catalog Definitions

1. Community Development

The NCPSI defines community development as any public sector/private non-profit initiative that serves to better a community. Innovations related to safety, recreation, infrastructure or organized growth would all fit in this category.

2. Organizational Development

Organizational development is defined as any public sector/private non-profit initiative that enhances, advances, or improves the effectiveness/efficiency of an organization’s programs or services. Many times, external and internal innovations are needed to move an organization down the road to conquer new age problems.

3. Workforce Development

The NCPSI defines workforce development as any public sector/private non-profit initiative that trains or re-trains America’s workforce. Innovations may include new ways to approach old problems (e.g., worker illiteracy) or alternative methods for encouraging lifelong learning in the workplace.

4. Education Development

Education development is defined as any public sector/private non-profit initiative that furthers opportunities for student learning. No idea is too small or too specific for this category! Options could include expanded on-line learning opportunities, new curriculum development, changes in school hours or incorporation of job-specific coursework.

5. Business Development

Business development is defined as any public sector initiative that enables the business community to improve financially, operationally or structurally. Innovations that represent non-traditional partnerships between the public and private sectors would be likely candidates for this category.

6. Environmental Development

Environmental development is defined as any public sector/private non-profit initiative that works to renew, protect or preserve our natural resources. Examples could include creative ways to improve water quality, develop “brownfields” or clean up a neighborhood.

The timely validity of creating a National Center for Public Sector Innovation lies in the need for people and organizations to simply share good ideas. Today (more than ever) it is critical to stay ahead of the expanding global economy. The NCPSI through its Innovation Catalog allows all contributing innovators to be an inclusive part of “product development”. As a virtual organization, the NCPSI would be “centered” in all who participate in the task of bringing forth quality public sector innovations.

Finally, a National Center for Public Sector Innovation could easily respond to questions like:

• Where can I go for information about innovative, public sector programs and services?
• What examples of public sector innovation can I learn from?
• How can I get assistance from someone who has real life experience to develop my own public sector innovations?
• When is the best time to venture forward with a new public sector innovation?

My hopes for helping create a NCPSI organization/service site continues.

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Author: Marvin N. Pichla, Ph.D., is the owner and creative adviser of Inspiring Innovations, Inc. Sharing his unique entrepreneurship and innovation in public service experience, Marv consults with public and private business, education and community organizations to develop new and different problem-solving methods through real-life, example-based learning.

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