The Leadership and Innovation Program (LIP), launched in 2020 by the Royal School of Administration and supported by the World Bank’s Coalitions for Reforms (C4R) Global Program, including Michael Woolcock, has trained over 1,000 senior officials across ministries and provinces in Cambodia. The program was designed to address persistent challenges in Cambodia’s public sector, such as siloed departments and stalled reforms, by fostering adaptive leadership, cross-sector collaboration, and practical problem-solving skills. Unlike traditional training, LIP emphasized real-time application of leadership concepts, encouraging participants to experiment, collaborate, and lead change within their organizations.
Throughout its implementation, the program adapted to challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic by shifting to a virtual format, achieving a remarkable 98% completion rate. Participants reported significant mindset shifts, moving beyond theoretical knowledge to practical tools such as adaptive leadership, conflict management, and the Problem Driven Iterative Adaptation (PDIA) approach. Over 89% of graduates have applied these skills in their professional roles, breaking down bureaucratic barriers and co-developing solutions across departments. Notably, alumni have become trainers themselves, ensuring the program’s sustainability and localization, with all materials translated into Khmer.
The impact of LIP is evident in various ministries, particularly the Ministry of Health, where new leadership practices have improved responsiveness, morale, and decision-making. Regular problem-solving sessions using LIP tools have become institutionalized, and the program’s alumni are now integral to ongoing organizational reforms. The program’s emphasis on local solutions and iterative learning has built a robust leadership pipeline, empowering officials to drive change from within rather than relying on externally imposed reforms.
Looking ahead, the Cambodian government plans to expand LIP to include school principals and health facility directors, further broadening its impact on education and healthcare. An alumni network is being developed to sustain peer learning and collaboration. The program’s success is also informing global public sector reform strategies through the World Bank’s C4R program, with Cambodia’s experience serving as a model for empowering local leaders and fostering sustainable, systemic change as part of the country’s Vision 2050 strategy.