About BSC
We believe that problems are entry points to change and working in teams is the vehicle for change.
The capability of the state to implement its policies and programs is a key constraint to improving human development.
Many government policies and reforms fail to deliver results. Schools get built, but children do not learn; IT systems are introduced but no one uses them; and plans are written but not implemented.
Our research ties such failure to the tendency of governments to adopt external ‘solutions’ that do not fit their context and overwhelm their capability to implement policies and programs.
We have developed a step-by-step approach called Problem Driven Iterative Adaptation (PDIA). It is a dynamic process with tight feedback loops that allows organizations to build their own solutions that fit their local context. Complex problem-solving is a journey of discovery that allows the emergence of skills and solutions. Local solutions for local problems.
We train public sector teams around the world to work iteratively to solve their own nominated problems. We collaborate with organizations to offer an action-based learning program for teams in multiple countries. We train practitioners in executive programs through blended learning, as well as applied action learning – where the concepts are turned into practice.
We mobilize local talent, foster broader, more inclusive conversations, build coalitions, engage authorizers, and contextualize policy. PDIA empowers action by local people facilitates the emergence of local solutions and creates new capabilities to solve problems.
Over the past 10 years we have trained and directly engaged with 4,500 practitioners in 156 countries. We have created a community of practice of practitioners and policymakers who are working on implementing public policies. We hope to create a global community that collaborates, learns, shares, and grows together, ultimately leading to more successful development outcomes.
Building State Capability is housed at the Center for Public Leadership at Harvard Kennedy School.
PDIA Principles
The PDIA approach rests on four principles:
Local Solutions for Local Problems
Transitioning from promoting predetermined solutions to allowing the local nomination, articulation, and prioritization of concrete problems to be solved.
Pushing Problem Driven Positive Deviance
Creating (and protecting) environments within and across organizations that encourage experimentation and positive deviance.
Try, Learn, Iterate, Adapt
Promoting active experiential (and experimental) learning with evidence-driven feedback built into regular management that allows for real-time adaptation.
Scale Through Diffusion
Engaging multiple agents across sectors and organizations to ensure reforms are viable, legitimate and relevant.
Our People
Contact Us
Building State Capability
79 JFK Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
To learn more or get involved with the Building State Capability network, please email us at bsc@hks.harvard.edu.
“PDIA gives you the ability to understand the tension there is between being able to create a policy that is effective and functional and achieves the goals that you set out to achieve, but also not neglecting the legitimacy that you need to acquire in order to be able to be entrusted with the ability to make that change happen.”
Bandi Mbubi
Implementing Public Policy 2019
