Growing Strategic Skills to Support Innovation in Governmental Public Health

Abstract

Abstract This chapter covers the theory of, and case studies on, innovation in public health. Data and discussions of systems thinking, design thinking, and the innovation mindset are used to underscore the importance of innovation, evolution, and dynamic improvement of public health agencies, especially in governmental public health. In public health, an example of innovation could be a new program or tool to address equity. Or it could take the form of internal focus on creating a new business practice in a health department. While innovation is not the answer to every public health problem, the process helps raise the right questions as well as find the right solutions, keeping communities at the center throughout. Innovation isn’t just a task added to day-to-day work—it requires a shift in the approach to work. Public health must reimagine traditional tactical skills and develop a collation of more strategic skills.