Innovation
Luton forced into unavoidable cuts
Luton BC’s boss has said the council has done all it can but has no other choice than to cut 365 jobs and frontline services.
We have an opportunity to radically reinvent ourselves
Our new coronavirus-shaped world has changed beyond recognition, says Gill Kneller - and If we’re going to thrive, recovery will be key, 'but we simultaneously need to reinvent ourselves'.
Towns and cities as a testbed for innovation
Tom Bridges and Siri Arntzen explain how testbeds can be successfully used to experiment our way towards the high streets of the future.
Clapping leaves gulls flapping
Clapping for carers every Thursday night is important n’all that but Worcester City Council has found it brings another bonus.
A catalyst for change?
The coronavirus crisis is speeding up the shift towards new people-centred operating models that were already being adopted by progressive councils, writes Codrina Cretu.
Using data to respond to COVID-19
Tom Symons and Juan Mateos-Garcia of Nesta examine how local government can make use of data to support its own response to the COVID-19 emergency, and see three significant areas where data can be useful.
Expanding the approach to public engagement
There are many ways to make it easier to forge public consensus on the difficult decisions needed for the long-term, says Laurie Smith. Here, he outlines three ‘participatory futures’ case studies from across the globe.
Predicting the workplace of 2021 (and beyond)
In a lively session at The MJ’s recent Future Forum North event in Manchester Dr Nicola Millard, principal innovation partner at BT, looked ahead at tomorrow’s workplace. Here she outlines the seven ‘Ds’ shaping the future of work
Chief executive criticised by cross-party working group
One of Norfolk’s longest serving chief executives should have had a stronger hold over a project to build an innovation centre, a cross-party working group has found.
Creating ethical places to do business: a City Region perspective
Professor Adam Tickell of Greater Brighton says it is only by working together as academics, government and business leaders that we can start to make sure that the economy delivers wealth for society as well as for shareholders.
Ensuring our places’ success
The Sustainable Growth Index rankings reflect a dominant focus on economic growth over the past 20 years, says Rob Turner. He provides a checklist for ensuring strong economic performance goes hand-in-hand with broader measures of success.
Council chief executive or chief anthropologist?
Professor Donna Hall asks: Why not be a true anthropologist leader in search of the essence of what makes humans human?
The thoroughly modern approach to public finance
Geoff Mulgan says the public sector needs innovation and experimentation in money every bit as much as in other functions – and he outlines some of the important ideas for bringing it up to date.
Ready for the revolution?
With the rise of technology in the workplace, Nesta and The MJ asked local government frontline workers and staff about their councils’ approach to innovation. Heather Jameson reports on the results.
Time and resources biggest barrier to innovation - survey
Only a third of frontline staff think their council is ready to innovate to face the challenges of the next decade, a survey by Nesta and The MJ has found.
Hitting the accelerator on integration
A new report launched today at the Healthcare Innovation Expo outlines 15 practical actions for accelerating integrated care. Ewan King and Fiona Russell explain how the resource aims to help practitioners make better use of available evidence.
Future of work survey to inform thinking
Local government workers have been invited to take part in a new survey on the future of work.
A robot takeover? Why the future of government is about innovation not machines
Vicki Sellick explains why Nesta is launching a survey ahead of its Government Innovation Summit next month on how skilled public servants feel about making change in their role.
Council contributes to first UK sandscaping scheme
North Norfolk DC has contributed to the UK’s first sandscaping scheme to prevent further erosion and flooding along its coastline.
First council to run water services in-house
Nottingham City Council expects to save an estimated £64,000 a year after it becomes the first local authority to run its own water services in-house.
