RSA & Heseltine Institute: System Entrepreneurs in the Public Sector

To tackle the challenges faced by our public services, we need to learn to ‘think like a system and act like an entrepreneur’.

The RSA and the Heseltine Institute for Public Policy, Practice and Place have joined forces to invite you to a lively and thought-provoking free event to explore what it means in practice to ‘think like a system, act like an entrepreneur’ and to consider the barriers and enablers of systemic change in public services.

Without a rebalancing, public services could be increasingly ill-suited and unresponsive to the complex and networked world we live in. In many places, public sector staff are actively trying to effect this rebalancing while working within the constraints of an inflexible system. This is a tough ask.

But could a new approach enable public servants to adapt to an environment of complexity, uncertainty, and nonlinearity - and make change within it? The RSA is experimenting with a framework that has two core imperatives. First is to recognise the complexity involved in understanding the bigger picture. Second is to seek a flexible, iterative response to this complex and uncertain social context, pinpointing and pursuing opportunities for sustainable change that will make a difference to people’s lives. We call this method ‘think like a system and act like an entrepreneur’.

We would like to explore some core questions underpinning this to help identify the core characteristics of 'system entrepreneurs'. For example: what does this mean in practice? What skills do you see and value? Are there real examples of systemic change? What are the barriers or enablers of this systemic change? If you had one wish, what would you change?

Come along and share your insights and hear others as we set out to investigate the ways we might support those trying to actively reimagine, and implement, transformational change in public services.

To register your place, follow the 'Book Now' link above.

If you have any access requirements or require any reasonable adjustments, please let the team know: networks@rsa.org.uk. Please also let us know if you have any dietary requirements or severe allergies.

Location: The Foresight Centre (Hub Lounge), University of Liverpool, 1 Brownlow St, Liverpool, L69 3GL