How we can continue to support local authorities

In the introduction to this catalogue, we stressed the importance of a holistic approach to supporting cities in developing their digital transformation plans. We spoke of sharing and discussing the methods – of project management and experimentation, for example – but also the fundamental importance of the mechanisms and mindsets that allow for innovating within institutions like local authorities.

When it comes to mindsets, an experimental approach has to come from a place of humility and openness to uncertainty. Plans can be reflected on, iterated, pivoted to something different, and sometimes completely abandoned. In an environment where “failure” might not be embraced in the same way as in Silicon Valley, this is a massive ask on public sector workers who are used to existing institutional norms that incentivise certitude and value for money. We are extremely grateful for every city for their enthusiasm and approach to this project, which has sometimes brought out these inherent tensions.

In the above case studies, we’ve also seen some of the mechanisms or enabling environments that are fundamentally important to conducting experiments. You can have a team that is fully engaged in a method and with the openness to try things differently, but if a slow, procedural procurement system does not let you meet those ambitions, you are facing another set of challenges. How much of these mechanisms are unassailable barriers to experimentation, and how many are points for learning and discussion within a local authority will depend on the context. Nevertheless, the presence of such disabling mechanisms has been a real learning for us as a network.

We – programmes, funders, and the public – can continue to support local authorities by appreciating what public services need to thrive, but also where local authorities might be operating right now. The story of the ASToN network is one of mutual learning of the methods, mechanisms, and mindsets needed to effectively encourage local authority teams to innovate and develop bold ideas, and to co-design solutions with citizens at their heart. The work is challenging but through coaching, collective learning, the support of independent experts, and peer-to-peer learning – which is the core principle of the ASToN network – we believe that formal support can give local authorities the best opportunities to develop and advocate for the mindsets, mechanisms, and methods needed to achieve real impact. As we said in the Baseline Study:

The sheer diversity of the ASToN network and the challenges the local authorities hope to explore… is a source of strength for harnessing the potential of digital to bring positive change to citizens. With suitable institutional capacity and political will, African local authorities will be able to progressively, sensitively and thoughtfully tackle some of the biggest challenges associated with service provision through digital transformation.

We hope that the ASToN network has helped to uncover more about how best to unlock the diversity and power of African local authorities to make this change.

Each case study of experimentation is a unique story of pioneering, civic-minded professionals who are working to make their local authority one that serves its citizens better. We applaud the hard work and progress made by each local authority and can’t wait to see this work inspire others in the future.

And, if this has inspired you to experiment in your institution, good luck! And please get in touch.

The ASToN project