We believe that problems are entry points to change and working in teams is the vehicle for change. The capability of the state to implement its policies and programs is a key constraint to improving human development. Many government policies and reforms fail to deliver results. Schools get built, but children do not learn; IT...Continue Reading About| Building State Capability
The Leadership and Innovation Program (LIP), launched in 2020 by the Royal School of Administration and supported by the World Bank’s Coalitions for Reforms (C4R) Global Program, including Michael Woolcock, has trained over 1,000 senior officials across ministries and provinces in Cambodia. The program was designed to address persistent challenges in Cambodia’s public sector, such...Continue Reading The Leadership Program Reshaping Cambodia| Building State Capability
Unpacking Complexity in Tunisia’s Waste Management: A Journey through PDIA| bsc.hks.harvard.edu
Guest blog by Melissa Velez, IPP ’23 Since early 2020, the City of Allentown, in Eastern Pennsylvania, has been working on a complete zoning code rewrite. The plan has been to go from a typical Euclidian type of code to more of a form-based code. The project was stalled for a couple of years due...Continue Reading Zoning in on the Problem: Using PDIA to Build Affordable Housing in Allentown, Pennsylvania| Building State Capability
Problem Driven Iterative Adaptation (PDIA) is a learning by doing approach that helps organizations develop the capability to solve complex problems while actually solving such problems. PDIA Resources Book Toolkit Training Guides PDIA Principles The PDIA approach rests on four principles: Local Solutions for Local Problems Transitioning from promoting predetermined solutions to allowing the local...Continue Reading What Is PDIA?| Building State Capability
Guest blog by Lobna Jeribi, IPP ’24 Discovering the Power of Small Steps Reflecting on my journey through the IPP program, I feel like I’ve been on a quest – not just for policy solutions but for clarity on how change actually happens. I’m no stranger to the messy realities of public policy. What the...Continue Reading Unpacking Complexity in Tunisia’s Waste Management: A Journey through PDIA| Building State Capability
Guest blog by Mekalia Paulos Aklilu, IPP ’24 The last 6 months have been truly insightful as I embarked on the ‘IPP journey’. I thought I knew sufficiently enough about public policy, but yet was keen on broadening my perspectives and reinforcing, fine-tuning and honing my expertise on the issue. IPP exceeded my expectations! It...Continue Reading Insufficient Financing for Energy Transition in Africa| Building State Capability
Guest blog by Melissa Velez, IPP ’24 The experiences and learning within the Implementing Public Policy course helped me to look deeper into the problems faced within my city, gave me a step-by-step process to work through those problems with my team, and encouraged me to reflect on my personal leadership and time management skills....Continue Reading Using Zoning to Reduce the Affordable Housing Crisis in Allentown, Pennsylvania, U.S.| Building State Capability
Guest blog by Ellen Bonadio Benedetti, IPP ’24 For years, I have practiced the traditional approach of planning and control, which is crucial for supporting public agents in their daily responsibilities. However, public issues are often complex, marked by uncertainties and limited information, which can compromise the effectiveness of the planning process. The PDIA (Problem-Driven...Continue Reading Transitioning from a Planning and Control Approach to PDIA in Niteroi-RJ, Brazil| Building State Capability
Guest blog by Phengphaivanh (Susan) Sitpraxay, IPP ’24 I attended the IPP course during one of the toughest periods over 14 years of my work life as a policy maker in the central bank of Laos-the Bank of the Lao PDR. This is my first course at Harvard University, a place I have long aspired...Continue Reading Addressing Imbalanced Sectoral Credit Growth and High Inflation in the Lao PDR| Building State Capability
written by Mannat Singh Over the past six years BSC has trained 382 practitioners in 81 countries through its flagship 6-month Implementing Public Policy (IPP) executive program. The program was created to equip policymakers around the world with multiple tools to solve today’s complex public problems. A key component of the program is the IPP...Continue Reading Building Momentum Among PDIA Practitioners in the MENA Region| Building State Capability
Guest blog by Joseph Wilson Jr, IPP ’24 I have spent 30 years of my professional life working as an artist. After graduating from the University of Notre Dame with a BA in Government/Political Science, I had every intention of going to law school and some day running for political office. That was the plan,...Continue Reading Building Resiliency and Sustainability in Providence’s Arts and Cultural Sector| Building State Capability
Guest blog by Mark Lea, LEG ’24 I have really enjoyed participating in the Harvard Kennedy School’s Leading Economic Growth 2024 programme, led by Professors Ricardo Hausmann and Matt Andrews, and supported by their wider faculty team. Both Professors shared the theories, tools and frameworks they have developed to help us think about our economic...Continue Reading Scrabble, Fishbones, and Positive Deviance: A Perspective from New Zealand| Building State Capability
Guest blog by Vuyiswa Mkhabela, IPP ’24 Embracing my Role as an Outsider Joining Harvard Kennedy School’s Implementing Public Policy (IPP) program was not just an academic pursuit for me—it was a professional and personal commitment to becoming more effective in my role as a consulting economist. For years, I have supported South African government...Continue Reading Trade and Labor Policy in South Africa: Shaping Policy Design and Implementation from the Outside| Building State Capability
Guest blog by Melissa Banks, LEG ’24 The greatest learnings I’m taking away from this course are related to identifying achievable, incremental, and specific solutions that address binding constraints relevant to nearly any challenge (beyond development challenges). The idea of evolving solutions that build upon one another over time alleviates the pressure taking on significant...Continue Reading Solar Generation in New Mexico| Building State Capability
Guest blog by Akalu Teshome Firew, IPP ’24 Crop production and productivity in Ethiopia remain very low. One of the major reasons for this low productivity is the damage caused by both regular and migratory pests. Pesticides are critical inputs for enhancing agricultural productivity within Ethiopia’s food system. However, the misuse of pesticides is a...Continue Reading Proper Use of Pesticides in Ethiopia| Building State Capability
Guest blog by Vahid Hajiyev, LEG ’24 One of the most important lessons from this course is that addressing complex growth challenges requires a problem-driven approach. Tools such as the Toyota “6 Whys” and the fishbone diagram were particularly useful in helping me understand the underlying causes and identify binding constraints. These tools taught me...Continue Reading Agricultural Reform in Karabakh| Building State Capability
Guest blog by Hiba Qutub, IPP ’24 Reflecting on my journey to enhance and institutionalize fostering services through the PDIA (Problem Driven Iterative Adaptation) framework fills me with a deep sense of discovery, growth, and above all, possibility. I think back to the initial online sessions, the emotions they stirred, and the knowledge—and friendships—that blossomed...Continue Reading Tackling the Institutionalization of Fostering Services| Building State Capability
Guest blog by Jalal Baghishov, LEG ’24 The Leading Economic Growth course helped me understand the complex and dynamic nature of economic growth, and how to develop effective strategies to drive growth in today’s knowledge-driven world. I found almost all covered areas, including the connection between knowledge, growth, and complexity, rethinking growth strategy, PDIA approach,...Continue Reading Diversification and Rise of Exports for Acceleration of Economic Growth in Azerbaijan| Building State Capability
Guest blog by Woody Ang, LEG ’24 First, some context. I have spent the good part of the past decade supporting various countries in the developing world on their economic challenges. In many ways, the approach I have adopted has been one of attempting indigenous solutions which promoted pragmatic problem-solving anchored on pilot projects, rather...Continue Reading Economic Diversification through the Agriculture and Food Sector| Building State Capability
Guest blog by Ruth Nguesap Ndifor-Fobisi, IPP ’24 Participating in the Implementing Public policy program was a maiden, invaluable and exciting experience that far exceeded my expectations! It was a perfect blend of theory and action learning, arduous yet rewarding! My key learnings from the insightful lectures, course material and wide range of shared experiences...Continue Reading Addressing Limited Access to Clean Water in Rural Communities of Cameroon| Building State Capability
Guest blog by Andrés Michel, LEG ’24 Understanding Córdoba’s Regional Disparities The province of Córdoba is located in the heart of Argentina. It spans an area of 165,000 square kilometers and is home to nearly 4 million people. Córdoba stands out for its exceptionally fertile lands, contributing almost 30% of the nation’s soybean and...Continue Reading Bridging Gaps by Unlocking Potential: The Case of Northern Córdoba| Building State Capability
Guest blog by Fatima Lipp D. Panontongan, IPP ’24 The on-campus session was extraordinary. Learning from both the professors and my classmates in my cohort was priceless. Everybody was warm and kind. I loved the study sessions before the classes because we got to discuss the readings on a more personal level. I enjoyed hearing...Continue Reading Improving the Learning Outcomes of Filipino Students One Small Win at a Time| Building State Capability
Guest blog by Ernesto Correa Valderrama, LEG ’24 In Colombia, armed conflict, poverty, illicit crops and, although it may seem strange, even deforestation are located where there are no good quality roads. That was the basis on which the Transport Infrastructure Program Roads for Equity1 was structured and awarded transparently in 2015 for more than...Continue Reading Sustained and Inclusive Economic Growth and Governance in Colombia| Building State Capability
Guest blog by Benjamin Musungu, IPP ’24 My IPP implementation challenge was far from typical! When I first landed in Sahrawi Republic on April 2023, I was not sure of what to expect. I was half-excited and half-anxious to lead a high-stakes health diplomacy visit in a distant country fraught with geopolitical uncertainties and unknowns....Continue Reading Addressing the Increasing Spread of Chronic and Infectious Diseases in North Africa| Building State Capability
Guest blog by Jonathan Chaparro, LEG ’24 As I reflect on my career, one theme has continually fueled my passion: the belief in the transformative power of philanthropy to create meaningful, lasting change. Over the years, this belief has guided my work at Braven, where I’ve had the privilege of advancing our mission to empower...Continue Reading Charting a Path to Economic Mobility: From Braven’s Mission to Puerto Rico’s Potential| Building State Capability
Guest blog by Team Akepile: Surgant Gand Mond, Rose Dama, Mathew G. Jonathan, Elizabeth Kai, Lilly Graham, Jack Maima, and Belinda Kora Key Learnings from the PDIA Course Our PDIA journey taught us valuable lessons about addressing complex social issues: Problem we worked on over the past 12 weeks We selected our Cause two (C2)...Continue Reading PDIA to Address SARV Cases in Simbu Province, Papua New Guinea| Building State Capability
Are you wondering why the policy you have developed to address a pressing issue for your community or organization fails to deliver results? You are not alone. IPP is an HKS Executive Education program designed to equip policymakers around the world with both the skills to analyze policies, as well as the field-tested tools and tactics...Continue Reading Implementing Public Policy (IPP)| Building State Capability
Guest blog by Lynette Etemesi, IPP ’24 I recently had the incredible opportunity to attend Harvard University’s Implementing Public Policy (IPP) Program. This intensive course brought together policy professionals, change-makers, and thought leaders from around the world, all focused on a singular mission: to create meaningful, lasting impact in our respective fields. As I reflect...Continue Reading Navigating Complexity with Clarity: Mental Health in Kenya| Building State Capability
Guest blog by Anna Ga’a, Denphil Hunt-Mitir, Nabieu Lansana, Solomon Mape, Julia Tubang Doing the PDIA program was unexpected for our group; initially, we doubted we could tackle the process effectively. But, by welcoming PDIA’s open and collaborative approach, we embraced the challenge. Here’s an overview of our journey, including the lessons learned, the challenges...Continue Reading PDIA to Engage Youth in Papua New Guinea’s Tuna Bay Area| Building State Capability
Guest blog by Jeremy Flowers, IPP ’24 I was born and raised in New England, where Harvard University holds mythological levels of prestige. So, when I applied for the Kennedy School’s Implementing Public Policy program, I expected knowledge and skills that couldn’t be obtained anywhere else, and world-class presentations by dazzlingly brilliant professors. I was...Continue Reading Coordinating Workforce Development Services in Rural Arizona| Building State Capability
Guest blog by Sharlene Gawi, Nesther Horiva, Audrey Kari, Naijolin Tumul Gender-based violence has become a prevalent and growing issue in Papua New Guinea. Research from the 2016-2018 Demographic Health Survey showed that at least 68% of women in PNG have experienced this violence at some point in their lives. This is double the global...Continue Reading Supporting Survivors of Gender-Based Violence in Papua New Guinea| Building State Capability
Guest blog by Tiina Kalliola, Heidi Kiuru, Marianna Niemi-Korhonen, Ia Pellinen, Marjaana Martinez de Pinillo In March 2024, we began our three-month Harvard training with anticipation. 24 people from regional cooperation networks for children and young people were selected to participate in the training. The City of Helsinki organized PDIA training with Harvard University. PDIA...Continue Reading Restless Behavior of Children and Young People in the Kannelmäki Urban Renewal Area| Building State Capability
Guest blog by Sari Della Spina, Anniina Enovaara, Marjut Kauppinen, Marjaana Risku Helsinki is, on the scale of Finland, a city of its own, with challenges typical to itself. The number of residents who speak foreign languages is one of Helsinki’s new characteristic phenomena. Services are taking shape to meet the needs of an increasingly...Continue Reading Problems in Parenting in Helsinki, Absent Fathers| Building State Capability
Guest blog by Johanna Marttila, Mari Luolamaa, Laura Leino, Mia Kivioja, Antti Lehto-Raevuori Parents from multicultural / immigrant backgrounds are isolated and segregated. That´s why parents are not adapting into society. Meri-Rastila is facing a large-scale urban renewal project which will see the construction of new homes for up to 4, 400 new residents and...Continue Reading Integrating Immigrant Parents into Society in Helsinki through PDIA| Building State Capability
Stimulating growth is an economic priority for many countries, regions, and cities. Yet many are trapped, lacking the productive capability to solve problems and expand to new industries to drive development. LEG is a 10-week online HKS Executive Education program, co-chaired by Ricardo Hausmann and Matt Andrews, that examines new approaches to rethink economic strategies and...Continue Reading Leading Economic Growth (LEG)| Building State Capability
We have been exploring how the PDIA methodology can effectively be used by city governments. Project Team Matt Andrews and Salimah Samji March – June 2024 The goal of the program was to build the capability of the city to address and solve problems, in teams, through action-oriented work. 24 city leaders across 5 teams...Continue Reading PDIA for Child and Youth Safety in Helsinki| Building State Capability
Guest blog by Elsie Mongoru, Alexander Tanabi, Dorcas Mileng, Emmanuel Kokiva, Evenezer Tanda, David William, Nancy Ilambi In the heart of Papua New Guinea lies Kutubu rural local government area in Nipa Kutubu District of Southern Highlands Province. The population is estimated to be 24,155 with a youth population of around 7,229 of which 43%...Continue Reading Low Economic Engagement of Youth in Agribusiness Opportunities in Kutubu, Papua New Guinea| Building State Capability
Guest blog by Barbara Thomas, Maliwai Sasingian, & Kirk Gibson In January 2024, the Black Wednesday riots shook Papua New Guinea (PNG). Local thinkers highlight these as acts of desperation, driven by underlying causes including unemployment and the increasing cost of living. But governments alone cannot solve the complex problems that drive these events. Citizens, civil...Continue Reading Supporting Collective Action and Reform Coalitions in PNG: Trust is Critical| Building State Capability
Guest blog by Tom Brauer, Justin D. Farley, Amber Pollock In Wyoming, much like throughout the United States, communities lack access to revenue and control of the revenue-raising mechanisms needed to self-determine their future. Over the past 12 weeks, The Wild Optimists have been immersed in the Problem-Driven Iterative Adaptation (PDIA) course, where we’ve grown...Continue Reading Exploring the lack of access to revenue in Wyoming| Building State Capability
Guest blog by Sarah Hale, Mason Koch, Violet Sanderson, Devin J Simpson The SOAR Team selected Business Sustainability as their project for the 12-week course. Our goal was to figure out what was needed in order for area businesses in Star Valley, Wyoming to not only survive (a difficult task in its own right), but...Continue Reading Addressing Business Sustainability in Star Valley, Wyoming| Building State Capability
Guest blog by Seiji Isotani, IPP ’23 A summary of the activities carried out at UNIVESP – Virtual University of the State of Sao Paulo. UNIVESP is the largest online university in Brazil and it is responsible for graduating more than 10,000 teachers every year. We ran several workshops with at least 10 people each...Continue Reading PDIA to Support Teaching Training in Brazil| Building State Capability
Guest blog by Bruno Ávila Eça de Matos, IPP ’23 Embarking on the Implementing Public Policy (IPP) program offered by Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) marked the beginning of an eye-opening journey, shifting my perspective from traditional program management and the instruments of the Scrum framework to a new methodology that embraces uncertainty and the need...Continue Reading Agile Work Process for Urban Innovation in Amsterdam| Building State Capability
PDIA in the City of Helsinki| bsc.hks.harvard.edu
Guest blog by Ileana I. Ferber, IPP ’22 In the past seven years, I have been immersed and fascinated with local content policies related to the extractive sector (mining, oil, and gas). Once I became comfortable in analyzing and assessing the fitness of these policies to their specific country of origin, I started advocating for...Continue Reading Namibia’s Readiness to Support the Nascent Oil and Gas Industry| Building State Capability
Guest blog by Nuru Suleymanov, LEG ’23 I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to participate in this unique course, during which leading scholars and practitioners Professor Matt Andrews and Professor Ricardo Hausmann, as well as other members of the Harvard Kennedy School team, shared with us their valuable experience, knowledge and insights in...Continue Reading Strategic Policymaking in Azerbaijan| Building State Capability
Blog written by Salimah Samji Over the past few years, we have been growing our PDIA engagements in cities. In late 2023 we were approached by Meri Virta and Piia Pelimanni, participants who had completed a PDIA training we conducted for the Bloomberg-Harvard City Leadership Initiative, to offer a custom online action learning program for...Continue Reading PDIA in the City of Helsinki| Building State Capability
Guest blog by Nijat Rahmanli, LEG ’23 Throughout my career in the government, I have participated in numerous discussions and workshops on how to achieve economic growth while ensuring inclusivity and sustainability. However, few of them were as practical and down-to-earth as the course on Leading Economic Growth. We came to understand that the easiest part...Continue Reading Informal Employment in Azerbaijan as an Impediment to Economic Growth| Building State Capability
Guest blog by Amy Quick, LEG ’23 I had the unique privilege of being able to engage in the PDIA process and problem identification prior to beginning this fall’s Leading Economic Growth course, allowing me to bring some real-world experience to the classroom and intellectual component. The State of Wyoming has been working with the Harvard...Continue Reading Navigating the Challenges of Diversity and Public Engagement in Wyoming| Building State Capability
Guest blog by Tarja Silventoinen, Terhi Tuominiemi-Lilja, Mirjam Malik, Katri Kairimo, Katriina Aaltio 12 weeks ago, we met each other as a team at Helsinki City Hall. We joined the team to represent the urban environment, education and training, culture and leisure, and social, health and rescue sectors. The unifying theme of our PDIA training...Continue Reading Making Eastern Helsinki Safer| Building State Capability
Guest blog by Tiina Gustafsson, Ville Immonen, Christina Lundqvist, Kimmo Mustonen, Jaakko Rautavaara Children’s and young people’s experiences of insecurity and harassment have been highlighted significantly in several surveys and studies, such as the School Health Survey. The insecurity experienced by young people in their own environment is directly reflected in their everyday life and...Continue Reading A Safer City Center for Young People in Helsinki| Building State Capability
