Framing experimentation as a lens through which to achieve impact can help local authorities embed it in their work

Experimentation can often bring with it a new set of language, frameworks and tools that are unfamiliar, and therefore alienating, to many. We found that this led local authorities to be defensive or reluctant to the language and tools presented, often because it felt that we were rejecting or replacing how they do things. We know through our understanding of behavioural sciences that we find change painful, and are often reluctant to reduce our confidence in a decision, even if we receive contradictory information.
We know that people, but especially public servants, are intrinsically motivated to improve things, so we tapped into their desire to make things better for their municipality and citizens, or in other words, to innovate. We ensured that we spoke about experimentation as a lens through which to achieve the local authorities’ vision, and of expanding the set of tools available to local authorities to enable change and positive impact.

For example, Rehamna Province (Benguerir) has consistently used a variety of survey methods to gain insights and perspectives from citizens about its services. We worked with the local authority, not to undermine how they were surveying their citizens but rather to zoom-out and focus the survey on two key questions: what were they looking to learn through the survey, and what would they need to see to confirm it?

By reframing experimentation as a way to learn and achieve impact, rather than asking local authorities to change how things are done (or their minds!), we’re tapping into a desire for curiosity, growth and learning. This intentionality helps us reinforce psychological safety.

Recommendation for local authorities who want to experiment: experimentation brings a focus on learning and impact that you can apply in the way that suits you best, and with whatever language helps you make sense of them. Start from your vision of impact (i.e. improving mobility for citizens), and use just the right amount of evidence (i.e. number of traffic accidents per week) to learn about the right path to get there.