Quezon City, August 30, 2024 — The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) and the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) co-hosted the “Conference on Open Innovation in the Public Sector” from August 28 to 29, 2024, at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, drawing nearly 300 delegates from 17 APO-member economies. The event highlighted its international significance in advancing government innovation.

Key figures opened the conference with warm welcomes: Dr. Arsenio M. Balisacan, secretary of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and chairperson of the DAP Board; Dr. Jose Elvinia, head of APO-Multi-Country Programs Division 2; and Dr. Majah-Leah V. Ravago, DAP president and chief executive officer.

During the two-day event, speakers presented and discussed strategies for enhancing innovation within government operations. Dr. Atreyi Kankanhalli from the National University of Singapore kicked off the sessions by exploring inside-out and outside-in innovation, emphasizing the critical role of user-driven innovations and the need for public-sector organizations to leverage the creativity and insights of citizens and external partners.

Next, Dr. Michiko Iizuka of the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies in Japan examined the complexities of integrating open innovation through public-private partnerships. She outlined key challenges and offered strategies to foster effective collaboration.

Director Diane Gail L. Maharjan of NEDA presented frameworks and policies designed to cultivate a robust innovation ecosystem within the public sector. Her session provided essential strategies for nurturing an environment conducive to innovation.

Alexandru Oprunenco, regional innovation advisor at the United Nations Development Programme in Thailand, introduced system-based and collaboration-based approaches to innovation, advocating for a diversified approach to address the multifaceted challenges public-sector organizations face.

Angela Hanson from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development-Observatory of Public Sector Innovation concluded the presentations with insights on fostering a culture of open innovation. She stressed the importance of empowering middle managers to lead innovation efforts, highlighting the need for them to have the authority, courage, and resources to drive meaningful change.

The conference also featured panel discussions and case studies, providing practical insights into successfully applying open innovation principles.

This article is originally posted on: https://dap.edu.ph/dap-apo-host-landmark-conference-on-open-innovation-in-the-public-sector/