At the end of 2017, Latvia launched an in-depth reform of its public sector. At the core of this major change were the redefinition of remits, reorganisation of the workforce and the introduction of new working methods.

Under the banner #GovLabLatvia, three innovation labs were set up, a first in Europe in this area. Each worked on a theme corresponding to one aspect of the reform, in close collaboration with the other two:

• Simplifying processes to create a new approach aimed at minimising and streamlining administrative tasks

• Bolstering the Administration's image and reputation to offer solutions based on global best practices in value integration

• Strategically managing human resources to create an innovative human capital management framework, drawing on successful examples from the private sector.

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A total of 16 prototype solutions (8 of which deal directly with HR topics) have been developed in the labs. One of them, led by the Ministry of Economics and entitled "Official Shadows Entrepreneur", has already been deployed and enables public officials to better understand how companies operate on a daily basis.

In this solution, managers propose a project they have initiated or an issue they are facing and invite a counterpart from a government department, selected for an immersive experience. The first phase brought together 35 companies and 98 civil servants.

Alongside philosophy and methodology of conceptual thinking, the labs employ principles of agile development and an iterative approach (solutions are not created with the aim of solving everything at once, but over time), and use the LEAN model (favouring ongoing improvement and the elimination of unnecessary activities).

Guidelines have been developed to help all those who, working for a central or local government, are concerned about the quality of public services and wish to make improvements by developing the best solutions.

In May 2019, a hackathon was held in Riga, at which 22 participants designed a prototype to implement the OECD recommendation¹ on leadership and capacity in public administration.

#GovLabLatvia is one of the flagship initiatives of the government programme ExCeL (Excellent for the Centenary of Latvia), dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the country's founding.

¹ Latvia is the 35th member country of the OECD, as of 1 July 2016.