Bringing missions from theory to practice

During the last decade, the mission-oriented approach has created unprecedented global demand for substantial policy and governance innovation in public sector organisations. Yet, a consensus has gradually emerged across the scholarly and policy debate: there is still no clarity for how to translate missions thinking from theory to practice. Against this background, how to seize on the mounting political and administrative demand for missions to help policy makers craft and embed them within their organisations? Drawing on Demos Helsinki’s own experience in working with the Finnish Government and the European Commission, the talk will focus on our journey towards the development of a ‘WIP’ approach and methodology for mission-oriented governance. Specifically, we will illustrate learnings from of our latest projects in this field; showcase our latest thinking in this field; and draw broader implications for the practice of policy advice, consulting, and impact making. As a result, we hope to ignite a constructive conversation among IIPP students, policy analysts, and members of the faculty alike around mission-oriented research and practice.

Juha is Demos Helsinki’s Chief Executive, where Iacopo also works as a senior policy expert aside of his job as a PhD candidate at UCL IIPP. Demos Helsinki is a globally operating, not-for-profit, independent think tank. It conducts research and offers expert services to public, private, and civic organisations in areas such as strategy, policy analysis, and capacity building.