Scaling and diffusion in the public sector
Scaling in the public sector has some overlaps with other fields but also important differences. Governments can grow an idea simply by legislating it, or turning it into a programme. Or they can encourage it by persuasion or through the influence of regulators. The methods described above for sustaining an idea are also key to spreading it, including defining the idea in policy or programmes.
Distributed diffusion through public policy
New Zealand’s SKIP programme (strategies with kids, information for parents) is an example of public policy working to create a scaled programme in collaboration with existing...
Read moreEndorsement by regulators
Endorsement by regulators for example, the impact of NICE in increasing the pressure on health commissioners to take up more cost effective methods, such as smoking...
Read moreCreating intermediate demand
Creating intermediate demand via the professions for innovative goods and services. This could include purchasing and re-using goods made from recycled or ‘green’ materials – for...
Read moreDissemination of best practice
Dissemination of best practice through schemes such as the Beacon Awards in the UK, for example. The Beacon Awards are given to Local Authorities who excel...
Read moreGlobal diffusion and encouragement
Global diffusion and encouragement, for example through the World Bank’s Global Programme on Output-Based Aid, which simultaneously encourages adoption of proven models and ensures that aid...
Read moreChange through standards
Change through standards to encourage the diffusion of innovations. Examples include building regulations to increase energy efficiency and the use of sustainable materials in construction, and...
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