Thank you to Lorena Molina-Irizarry of the Census Open Innovation Labs (COIL) for joining us for an Evolve Innovation Network conversation around starting an open innovation program. Lorena shared insights about lessons the COIL team has learned as they created and continue to iterate on their program. Please see below for selected insights from Lorena, as well as links to open source tools the COIL team developed.
What is COIL (Census Open Innovation Labs)
COIL explores external opportunities to solve problems identified by government groups and manages all stakeholders involved. They connect government with business and start-ups to bridge gaps and bring a wholistic view to problem solving.
Language Translation
Because different sectors use language specific to their work in the sector, one of the things Lorena stressed was a key part of the role of the COIL team is language translation. They help government groups speak to the technology teams who are working on building solutions.
Storytelling
The COIL team prioritizes storytelling, as they have found that this show and tell approach really helps people understand the value of open innovation. By effectively telling the story, you are helping audiences learn about open innovation methodologies and how well those methodologies work to create solutions to problems identified by government but working cross sector.
Community Building
Lorena noted that creating links between government and tech and also between the federal government and local communities was one of the success measures her team uses. Their goal is to seed the network effect that happens through connectivity and community building.
Tools and Examples
Lorena also provided links to the COIL open source tools, as well as examples of their work.
Resources and Toolkits:
Running Challenges and Examples:
Writing by Elle Wheelock, Evolve Innovation Analyst
Elle is an Engineering Consultant at OSB and graduated with a Physics Degree from Georgia Tech. She enjoys pushing the bounds of industry in new and exciting ways.
