The methods and case studies under the theme of Policy and Strategy will lead you to create better, more adaptable policies by helping you:
- find the right policy mix
- learn from what works and what doesn’t
- listen to people’s stories
- use simple and clear language, to make sure ideas are easy for everyone to understand, use and develop together.
- make sure everyone who is affected by a policy or strategy has a say in how it is developed and implemented
Definitions
- Policy is an idea or plan for what you want to do about a subject, issue or problem
- Strategy is a detailed plan for how you are going to achieve your policy aims
- Implementation is putting your strategy into action and delivering on your policy aims
Inclusive Policy and Strategy
Take making a community garden as an example. An inclusive innovation approach would:
- Encourage everyone to contribute ideas or set rules so that the garden is designed in a way that benefits everyone (policy)
- Plan how to grow a thriving, sustainable, resilient and regenerative garden together (strategy)
- Have everyone works together to plant, water, and care for the garden (implementation)
To make this happen, we need to:
- set clear goals and check if we’re meeting them
- listen to diverse voices, including people who are often ignored, and let them help make decisions
- experiment and adapt, learn from mistakes, and keep improving
- measure success by asking questions like:
- Did everyone feel included?
- Did we work well as a team?
- Is what we’ve made sustainable / regenerative?
Inclusive policies think about long-term not just short-term change. For example, community hubs (like local gardening groups or organizations) can help champion ideas and make sure they stick.