Project Overview:
As part of the Design for Government course, our team partnered with the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) to tackle the brief "BIO-LINKS via Agents of Change," connected to the ongoing EU-LIFE project. Our aim was to address the pressing issue of biodiversity loss in Finland, a challenge exacerbated by fragmented policies and a lack of coherent inter-ministry communication.
Project Timeline BIO-Links via Agents of Change
Context:
The Finnish governmental structure is hierarchical, comprising 11 ministries. However, current biodiversity policies often operate in silos, leading to ineffective communication and a lack of coherent actions. Despite the National Biodiversity Strategy 2012-2020, over two-thirds of its objectives failed to create significant positive impact, revealing a pressing need for improved policy coherence.
Key Challenges Identified:
Institutional Silos: Ministries operate within their "Biodiversity Bubbles," hindering impactful collaboration.
Policy Fragmentation: Previous biodiversity strategies lacked coordination, resulting in uncoordinated actions across ministries.
Unclear Role of Science: A disconnect exists between policymakers and scientific communities, limiting effective decision-making.
Vision:
We envision a future where Finland leads in biodiversity policy coherence, integrating diverse perspectives and placing biodiversity at the forefront of national priorities.
Excerpt from the BIO-Links via Agents of Change Final Report
PROPOSED SOLUTION:
Our final proposal, ‘BIO Links via Agents of Change,’ outlines a pathway for integrating the Change Agent Network into the existing government system, structured around four main steps. Although these steps are presented sequentially, we recommend an iterative approach, encouraging stakeholders to revisit and refine these steps every 12 months.
Step 1: Build the Network
Establish a network of Change Agents with both formal and informal memberships, supported by a long-term board to ensure continuity. Informal members receive training to incorporate biodiversity-focused actions in their roles, creating a resilient and dynamic community.
Establish a network of Change Agents with both formal and informal memberships, supported by a long-term board to ensure continuity. Informal members receive training to incorporate biodiversity-focused actions in their roles, creating a resilient and dynamic community.
Step 2: Unify the Pathway
Develop a shared pathway aligned with national biodiversity goals to coordinate actions and track progress. This pathway addresses policy fragmentation, enabling agents to work collectively and transparently toward cohesive biodiversity goals.
Step 3: Create the Links
Set up varied interaction points—from online forums to annual conferences—for agents to connect, support each other, and stay informed. These links encourage a collaborative environment where change agents can receive guidance and foster scientific integration.
Set up varied interaction points—from online forums to annual conferences—for agents to connect, support each other, and stay informed. These links encourage a collaborative environment where change agents can receive guidance and foster scientific integration.
Step 4: Assess the Strategy
Conduct evaluations at key intervals during the year to refine network functions and align with evolving goals. Clear communication of assessment outcomes helps agents self-reflect and adapt, ensuring the network’s continuous improvement.
Conduct evaluations at key intervals during the year to refine network functions and align with evolving goals. Clear communication of assessment outcomes helps agents self-reflect and adapt, ensuring the network’s continuous improvement.
Conclusion:
By empowering Change Agents and providing them with the necessary tools, our proposal aims to bridge the existing gaps within the Finnish governmental structure. Through the integration of a Change Agent Network, we can catalyze meaningful actions toward biodiversity restoration and create a more sustainable future.
Images from the Design for Government Final Show Wednesday, 29th May 2024 at Kela Offices in Helsinki.
