In the European Union, the public sector is a major data juggernaut. Public sector organisations are busy collecting, generating, and investing in a ton of data, known as public sector information (PSI) or simply government data. Thus, there’s a whole field of research growing around using this data to innovate policy making, digging into everything from theory to tech.1 

However, despite the push from citizen demands, market trends, and new tech driving public sector data initiatives forward, there are some stubborn internal hurdles within the public administration that can slow things down. 

Against this backdrop, the European Commission has rolled out the Digital Innovation Framework. This strategy is all about sparking digital innovation across the European Commission by encouraging teamwork and collaboration with key players like EU public administrations, academia, and industry. The idea is to grab tech opportunities and make innovation smoother and more integrated across different internal departments. Key elements include the iLab for cooperative innovation, the Co-innovation approach for developing prototypes and pilots, and the Digital Pole, which enhances collaboration with EU public administrations to implement innovative solutions. 

At the heart of this initiative is the Digital Innovation Lab, or iLab for short. iLab serves as an open space within the European Commission where it connects with external parties to brainstorm and develop new, sustainable ways to improve policymaking and service delivery. It's part incubator for fresh ideas and part lookout point for spotting future opportunities from unique scenarios and creative organizational models. 

One key outcome of iLab’s collaborative effort is the Data Innovation Toolkit. The first version of this toolkit will include two main building blocks. On one hand, we will provide a compendium of educational materials and resources on the latest data innovation approaches from the public sector, academia, NGOs and think tanks. On the other hand, we will provide an initial set of practical resources. These will include, for example, checklists to ensure that all data journey aspects and steps are properly assessed and Canvas Models to provide visual frameworks for planning and brainstorming. Furthermore, we will provide interactive exercises to engage team members in hands-on activities that build skills and facilitate understanding of key concepts and methodologies as well as workshop templates to offer structured formats for conducting productive workshops that foster collaboration, ideation, and problem-solving. 

The Data Innovation Toolkit is being crafted to assist a diverse group of individuals engaged in data initiatives, ensuring it delivers widespread benefits tailored to the needs of each user. To achieve this, several ideotypes of personas have been developed, ranging from novice analysts to experienced policymakers and tech-savvy innovators. These personas represent key segments of different audiences, including the European Commission’s Directorate-generals (DGs), its Joint Research Centre (JRC) and Publications Office , local and national public administrations, academia, and digital government experts, along with data practitioners. 

Representing many stakeholders, these personas provide a frame for understanding the diverse needs, challenges, and aspirations of those who will interact with the Data Innovation Toolkit. 

From initial planning to final evaluation and post-implementation strategies, the Data Innovation Toolkit supports all phases of project development: 

1. Preparing the data initiative: The toolkit will provide support during the initial phase by offering tools to identify key stakeholders and define clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). This will ensure projects are well-structured from the onset, focusing on strategic alignment with organisational objectives. 

2. Managing the data initiative: As projects advance, the toolkit will aid in streamlining collaboration and data sharing, enhancing efficiency throughout the project lifecycle. It will support data-driven decision making, helping teams navigate the complexities of managing and implementing data initiatives successfully. 

3. Post-implementation strategies: After project completion, the toolkit will facilitate ongoing innovation and evaluation. It will help in assessing the impact through KPIs and stakeholder feedback, ensuring that projects continue to provide value and adapt to evolving needs over time. This toolkit facilitates the preparation and development of data initiatives through enriched documentation resources, including templates, guidelines, and best practices that help staff prepare more detailed and well-structured submissions.  

The Data Innovation Toolkit also fosters collaboration and communication among data project teams and governance bodies in the public sector; furthermore, it includes a compendium of educational materials on the latest data innovation approaches. This flexible toolkit can also be adopted by other public administrations, enhancing governance processes across the EU, and promoting a culture of innovation and efficiency in public sector data-driven projects.

The development of the Data Innovation Toolkit is structured into a series of focused stages to ensure its effectiveness for public sector use. The process begins with a thorough desk research and compendium review, where existing content is revised and a foundational set of best practices developed, establishing a solid base of proven solutions. Following this, in-depth interviews with experts and workshops are conducted to gather direct feedback and refine the toolkit’s relevance and utility for its users. These workshops are scheduled to be held in mid-June and at the end of September. 

Insights from these initial activities directly inform the development of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). This phase features the creation of practical and immediately implementable tools. The toolkit then undergoes rigorous usability tests and workshops to fine-tune its functionality and user-friendliness based on real-world feedback. Concurrently, ongoing outreach efforts focus on ensuring widespread awareness and adoption of the toolkit through continuous promotion and dissemination activities. 

The toolkit's development through these structured phases leads seamlessly into its role as a multi-faceted resource: 

• Data innovation tools and compendium: A meticulously curated selection of best practices and tools will be designed to address a wide array of data challenges, enabling efficient solutions across the public sector. 

• Minimum viable product (MVP): This component of the toolkit will include practical tools and resources that will be ready for immediate implementation in data initiatives. The MVP is a user-friendly design to meet the varied needs of public sector personnel in their daily operations, where they can search of these resources easily. 

• Cultivate a culture of data-driven innovation: The toolkit will not just provide tools; it will foster a culture of innovation that underscores responsibility, participation, and accountability within the European Commission and beyond. 

The development of the Data Innovation Toolkit is planned in clear phases, each designed to build on the work done in the previous steps, ensuring the toolkit is both effective and relevant. 

• Research and stakeholder engagement (Q1-Q2 2024): Initial stage, including desk research, compendium review, stakeholder interviews and workshops. 

• MVP, pilot and testing (Q2-Q3 2024): Development stage, including the development of the MVP, piloting and testing with end-users. 

• Project completion (Q4 2024 and beyond): Completion stage, widespread deployment of the MVP and ongoing enhancement based on user feedback. 

Over the next few months, you can expect: 

1. An engaging exploration of data innovation toolkits: We're diving deep into the world of existing toolkits, identifying best practices, and uncovering the tools and methods that will form the backbone of our own toolkit. 

2. The development of a minimal viable product (MVP): Guided by the insights from our desk research, an MVP is developed with core functionalities, providing a solid system for public servants to kick-start their data-driven projects. 

3. Feedback: Insights and experiences are invaluable. The iLab team will be reaching out to gather your feedback on the MVP, ensuring that the final toolkit is useful and user-friendly.

Embracing data for innovation, iLab is taking significant strides to harness the power of information for enhanced initiatives, policymaking and governance. As we continue to develop and refine this tool, our focus remains on empowering public servants and other stakeholders, fostering a sustainable culture of innovation that resonates across borders and sectors. With each step, from concept to execution, we are crafting a future where data-driven decision-making is not an aspiration but a reality, ensuring the public sector is more responsive, efficient, and informed in an ever-evolving global landscape. 

We invite you to join us on this exciting journey. Whether you're a data enthusiast, a public servant looking to make a difference, or simply interested in the future of digital innovation, there's a place for you in the iLab project. Stay tuned for updates, and let's shape the future of data innovation within the EU together.