It needs more than four years, the usual life span of a government. Consistent political and bureaucratic commitments to innovation in the face of criticism are crucial. In government, innovation can occur either in secret, which will have limited scope, or with the agreement of Ministers and senior managers who must protect those that innovate. At times we learn from failures. Thirdly, Ministers must be prepared, as must the Opposition, to accept failure.
Much innovation fails for a variety of reasons.
There is a danger that the innovation culture can be destroyed if an innovator or innovation get questioned before say a parliamentary committee to account for an innovation failure. Protection must be provided for innovation to succeed. Parameters of acceptable risk, like money and time, can be set, but the possibility of failure should be accepted. Readiness to innovate is a fourth crucial element in a culture which supports innovation. Governments can plan for innovation by developing demonstration and pilot projects, providing funding for new approaches, and supporting innovative ideas.