Futures Thinking in Governance
Lahara Fellows Program
The Futures Thinking in Governance "Lahara" Fellowship program is designed to equip changemakers in government with the knowledge, skills, and networks necessary to navigate and shape the future of governance. The program aims to foster leadership, innovation, foresight, and adaptability in public administration, ensuring that local governments are prepared to meet emerging challenges and opportunities in the 21st century. Lahara means "ripple" in Nepali, and represents how small future-oriented actions can expand and influence larger systems over time.
Objectives
Enhance Futures Thinking and Leadership: Equip fellows with tools and methodologies for futures thinking and leadership.
Promote Innovative Thinking: Foster a culture of innovation and creativity in governance practices.
Engage Networks: Create a network of forward-thinking bureaucrats across provinces for collaborative problem-solving.
Integrate Technology: Understand and leverage emerging technologies to improve governance and public service delivery.
Program Structure
The Lahara Fellowship program will span 6-12 months, combining hybrid training modules, practical projects, and collaborative learning. The program will be divided into three phases:
Foundational Phase
Orientation & Induction: Introduction to the fellowship, its goals, and expectations.
Strategic Foresight Training: Workshops on scenario planning, trend analysis, and future studies.
Governance Innovation: Sessions on design thinking, policy innovation, and public sector entrepreneurship.
Technology and Governance: Understanding AI, blockchain, and other emerging technologies in public administration.
2. Implementation Phase
Field Projects: Fellows will undertake individual or group projects addressing real-world governance challenges in their respective provinces.
Mentorship & Coaching: Each fellow will be paired with a mentor from academia, industry, or senior public service for guidance and support.
Interdisciplinary Seminars: Monthly seminars featuring experts from various fields to provide diverse perspectives on governance futures.
Collaborative Workshops: Hands-on workshops to develop and test innovative solutions to governance issues.
3. Integration Phase
Project Presentations: Fellows will present their projects and findings to a panel of experts and peers.
Policy Recommendations: Development of policy briefs and recommendations based on project outcomes.
Leadership Retreat: A retreat focusing on leadership development, change management, and personal growth.
Alumni Network Formation: Establishing a network for ongoing collaboration and support among fellows.
Learning Journey
Curriculum: The curriculum will cover futures thinking, policy innovation, technology integration, leadership development, and collaborative governance.
Faculty: Instructors will include leading academics, experienced public servants, and industry experts.
Resources: Access to a digital library, online courses, and databases on governance and public administration.
Evaluation: Regular assessments through project evaluations, peer reviews, and feedback sessions.
Selection Criteria
Eligibility: Mid to senior-level provincial bureaucrats with a minimum of 5 years of experience.
Application Process: Submission of an application form, a statement of purpose, and a project proposal.
Selection Committee: A panel comprising representatives from government, academia, and industry will review applications.
Benefits to Fellows
Professional Development: Enhanced skills in strategic planning, innovation, and leadership.
Networking Opportunities: Connections with peers, mentors, and thought leaders in governance.
Recognition: A certificate of completion and potential for career advancement.
Impact: Opportunity to contribute to meaningful change in provincial governance.
Program Outcomes
Innovative Solutions: Practical solutions to current and future governance challenges.
Enhanced Capacity: Improved capacity of provincial bureaucrats to anticipate and manage future trends.
Collaborative Culture: A culture of collaboration and continuous learning within provincial governments.
Policy Innovation: New policies and frameworks to address emerging governance issues.
Sustainability and Continuity
To ensure the sustainability of the GFF program, it will include:
Annual Reviews: Regular evaluation and updating of the program based on feedback and emerging trends.
Funding: Securing funding from provincial governments, international organizations, and private sector partnerships.
Alumni Engagement: Ongoing engagement with alumni through events, online platforms, and continuous learning opportunities.
GPCSE_Foresight for Developing Countries.pdfleaders-of-the-future.pdf