In June, we welcomed 36 practitioners from 16 countries to Harvard Kennedy School for the on-campus portion of our Implementing Public Policy (IPP) Executive Education program. This program ran from May to September 2025, with the on-campus phase being a week-long intensive, interactive, and immersive experience. During the week, participants engaged with faculty and peers to explore their own nominated implementation challenges while learning the Problem Driven Iterative Adaptation (PDIA) approach. Classroom sessions included an in-depth focus on teaming strategies, problem construction and deconstruction, identifying entry points for implementation, finding and fitting ideas, designing iterations, building authorization, multiagent leadership, and the role of behavioral science in public policy.
IPP participants at Harvard Kennedy School, June 2025. Photo credit: Martha Stewart.
Left: Professor Elizabeth Linos leading a dynamic discussion on behavioral science in public policy. Right:
IPP Alums Joseph Wilson Jr. and Rachel McNeil are introduced by Jessie DeLano before sharing their leadership stories in a peer learning session.
IPP participants engaging in teamwork exercises.
HKS Executive Education and BSC team photos
This year’s practitioners tackled a wide range of complex problems which addressed for the duration of the IPP program. Some examples include:
- Homelessness in the United States
- Childhood obesity in the United Arab Emirates
- Barriers to financial inclusion for women in India
- Emigration of skilled professionals from Azerbaijan
- Low participation of students in STEM fields in the Dominican Republic
Participant Testimonials from IPP 2025
I leave Harvard with renewed clarity and practical tools to better navigate policy implementation challenges. The sessions deepened my appreciation for using problems as entry points and reminded me that real change requires listening, iteration, and collaboration.
The sessions were clear, interesting, and full of useful real-world examples.
I appreciated the positive and hopeful approach to public policy.
I’ve truly cherished the peer learning groups. The diverse backgrounds, perspectives and insights shared have been nothing short of inspiring.
Outside the classroom, participants had the opportunity to explore the surrounding local hot spots in Cambridge and Boston, soaking in the area’s vibrant energy. From dining at restaurants and enjoying the nightlife to kayaking the scenic Charles River, these shared experiences fostered deeper connections among classmates and strengthened the sense of community and camaraderie that defines the IPP program.
IPP practitioners exploring local spots in Boston and Cambridge.
After completing the on-campus week, participants began the action-learning portion of the program. During this phase of IPP, practitioners returned to their home countries and contexts to continue working on their implementation challenge using the tools and tactics learned at Harvard. Participants continued to engage with faculty and fellow practitioners in an online moderated environment, sharing experiences, learnings, challenges, and breakthroughs.
In September, all 36 participants successfully completed the IPP program and officially joined our Community of Practice. We will be posting their learning journey stories over the next few weeks. Congratulations IPP 2025!