The Innovation Diffusion Lab: a new method for diffusing innovations in the public sector

Purpose and goal

The ”Dissemination Lab” created and tested a working method for dissemination of innovations in the public sector. The project also resulted in a hompage, www.spridningsguiden.se, where the working method is described step-by-step for users on all levels in public organizations. In the lab process, four different social service offices adopted a new way of administrating welfare support to deprived citizens. At least one office managed to adopt the innovation with successful and sustainable results.

Expected results and effects

The project has made three promises: 1. To design a working model for the dissemination of innovations in the public sector. 2. To test the working model in a process where four municipal administrations are helped to adopt a new way of working. 3. To draw conclusions from the experiment, modify the working model and offer it on a public website for free use.

Planned approach and implementation

Initially we created a hypothetical working model based on our previous knowledge and experiene as reseach scientists and consultants in the innovation management field. Next, we designed a process of dissemination out of a successful innovation from our former Vinnova-project the Leadership Lab. The knowledge obtained in the Dissemination Lab contributed to the final working model that is to be launched with the website www.spridningsguiden.se.