Innovation practices can seem playful and chaotic to those accustomed to traditional project management. In response, we’ve emphasized structure, but the way we communicate these processes can still feel confusing and overly linear. Bridging the gap between the “safe space” of an innovation program and the realities of project implementation is challenging. This article explores some of the things we’ve tried to bridge the gap.

How can we experiment in our sector? While "experimentation" might seem like an unnecessary luxury, it's actually a powerful way to unlock new value and drive innovation. In the public sector, where processes are often rigid, structured experimentation can create space for creative solutions. Innovation methodologies like human-centered design and lean startup guide us, but we shouldn't feel confined by them. Instead, we can adopt a flexible, toolbox approach, choosing the tools that fit the moment. Mainstreaming experimentation means making it accessible to everyone, transforming it from an isolated process into a core part of our daily work.