Where does innovation in the public sector really come from? Rarely from technology first. In this episode Dr James O’Connell, Innovation Fellow with HSE Spark, talks to us about how frontline staff get support to spot problems, work with partners across the public sector and turn ideas into change.
Spark is the HSE’s frontline staff-led innovation programme, and Spark Fusion funds collaborations between the HSE and other public sector organisations, up to €95,000.
The response so far is strong: 228 people attended the recent Fusion workshop, and 772 consultants were involved in this year’s Innovation Fund for Consultants applications.
What you can take away and act on:
🔹 Start with the problem, not the solution. Examine the causes together as a group before you decide what to build.
🔹 Look beyond your own organisation. James describes two frontlines: the clinics and EDs, and the local authorities, schools and transport bodies that shape the conditions people live in.
🔹 Flatten the hierarchy. The best insights come from the frontline, so bring everyone to the table as equals.
🔹 Choose the right fund for your idea. Spark Seed supports early ideas up to €5,000, Spark Impact funds projects up to €90,000 and Spark Fusion up to €95,000, and there is a separate Innovation Fund for Consultants.
🔹 Make your case clearly when you apply. Describe the problem or opportunity, who it affects and who is on the team, and involve patients or the public at the problem-definition stage.
🔹 Remember it doesn’t have to be technology. Dementia training for the Gardaí, sun safety for lifeguards and a joint clinic all came from people working together.
🔹 Judge success beyond one project. Even when a pilot doesn’t scale, it can create an innovator for life.
Key dates: Spark Fusion applications close on 30 October. The Innovation Fund for Consultants opened on 5 October and closes on 25 March, with a pre-submission feedback stage until early January.
For civil servants and public sector leaders with a frontline idea, a cross-sector problem or a pilot that needs to scale, this is practical advice on where to start. Find out more about Spark at hse.ie/spark.
Transform Gov is part of the Ireland eGovernment Awards, in partnership with Accenture.
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