The London School of Economics and Political Science
Public Policy Innovations
Gain a comprehensive understanding of public policy innovations and technology, and its strategies for transforming policymaking.
Start date
08 October 2025
Course duration
8 weeks
Excluding orientation
Language
English
Access resources from start date
Effort
7–10 hours per week
Self-paced learning online
Course overview
The amount invested in research and development by the UK government in 2023.
Department for Science, Development, and Innovation (Nov, 2023).
Amidst budget tightening, governments face pressing needs like digital transformation, achieving net zero, and ageing populations, necessitating technological adoption, cross-departmental collaboration, creative risk-taking, and flexible work models.
Global Government Forum (Feb, 2024).
Duration: 8 weeks (excluding orientation)
Policymakers face growing challenges when making public policy decisions. Fortunately, innovation and technology have the potential to make policymaking more efficient, fair, and successful. But professionals in these fields need the skills and knowledge to effectively execute these innovative approaches.
Gain insight into the role of innovation in policy improvement with the Public Policy Innovations online certificate course from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). Over eight weeks, you'll explore various innovation tools and their advantages and disadvantages for the policy process. Armed with this knowledge, you can propose new strategies to improve systems and navigate their implementation. Additionally, you'll learn how to use data as a tool for policy innovation, and explore the opportunities and challenges presented by technologies such as artificial intelligence in the public sector. Finally, you'll leave the course with the expertise to implement policy innovations, using a new initiative.
Is this course for you?
This course is aimed at public sector professionals looking to stay up to date with the latest public policy and management innovations. Designed to be both operational and strategic, it’s relevant to anyone in a government role seeking to drive innovation in their area. Policy professionals from consulting, advocacy, local government, and international development sectors will also benefit from learning about modern policy innovations and how they can be applied in their respective fields.
Course overview
Course overview
Duration: 8 weeks (excluding orientation)
Policymakers face growing challenges when making public policy decisions. Fortunately, innovation and technology have the potential to make policymaking more efficient, fair, and successful. But professionals in these fields need the skills and knowledge to effectively execute these innovative approaches.
Gain insight into the role of innovation in policy improvement with the Public Policy Innovations online certificate course from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). Over eight weeks, you'll explore various innovation tools and their advantages and disadvantages for the policy process. Armed with this knowledge, you can propose new strategies to improve systems and navigate their implementation. Additionally, you'll learn how to use data as a tool for policy innovation, and explore the opportunities and challenges presented by technologies such as artificial intelligence in the public sector. Finally, you'll leave the course with the expertise to implement policy innovations, using a new initiative.
Is this course for you?
This course is aimed at public sector professionals looking to stay up to date with the latest public policy and management innovations. Designed to be both operational and strategic, it’s relevant to anyone in a government role seeking to drive innovation in their area. Policy professionals from consulting, advocacy, local government, and international development sectors will also benefit from learning about modern policy innovations and how they can be applied in their respective fields.
Get this course for your team
Leading organisations recognise the value of this course and invest in it to enhance their employees' skills and expertise.
What will set you apart
An understanding of how to innovate in the public policy space.
The ability to address challenges and barriers that come with innovation and changing technologies.
Knowledge of transparency mechanisms and how they can be leveraged in public policy formulation.
Insight into big data and open data, and how they can be used as a tool for public policy innovation.
Unlimited access to edX’s Career Engagement Network, offering you exclusive resources and events to support your professional journey and drive your career forward.Course curriculum
Orientation module
Welcome to your Online Campus
Module 1
Introduction: Problems and solutions in public policy
Module 2
Behavioural public policy
Module 3
Transparency in public policy
Module 4
Participation in public policy delivery
Module 5
Participation in public policy decision-making
Module 6
Data in public policy
Module 7
Artificial intelligence in public policy
Module 8
Drivers of innovation and barriers to change
Course Convenor
Dr Daniel Berliner
Associate Professor of Political Science and Public Policy, Department of Government, LSE
About the certificate
Implement innovations in the public sector and earn an official certificate of competence from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Assessment is continuous and based on a series of practical assignments completed online. In order to be issued with a digital certificate, you’ll need to meet the requirements outlined in the course handbook. The handbook will be made available to you as soon as you begin the course.
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Payment options
You can pay your course fees before the course starts, or you may opt for a split payment plan on courses that are nine weeks and shorter. For courses 10 weeks and longer, there is a three-part payment plan available. To find out more about payment options please visit our Payment and Financing page, or contact an Enrollment Adviser, to find out which option you qualify for.
Manage your time
GetSmarter's learning model is designed to help you, as a working professional, improve your skills without compromising on work and family responsibilities. The course work is broken up into weekly, manageable bite-sized modules, with incremental deadlines, designed to help you pace yourself over the duration of the course and allow you the legroom to work when it suits you best.
At the beginning of each module you'll be presented with the course content and assignments necessary for completion. You also have access to your Success Adviser who will help you manage your time, and support you with any administrative or technical queries you might have.
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Of our past students, 37 percent have received financial assistance from their employers. You can ask for help, too. Here is a guide to show you how to request financial assistance from your employer.
If you are a Learning & Development (L&D) manager, or involved in training and upskilling for an organization, you can request information regarding our corporate offering on our GetSmarter for business page.
How to change your start date
As part of our commitment to your professional development, GetSmarter offers you a two-week period to change your course start date or request your money back if you’re not fully satisfied.
To qualify for a deferral of your course start date, or to cancel your enrollment and receive a refund of your course fee, your request would need to reach our Success Advisers before the release of Module 2. For more information, please read our Terms and Conditions.
Discover the Online Campus
The Online Campus will be your virtual classroom for the duration of your course. Through its easy-to-use interface you'll have access to a diverse variety of course content formats including: interactive videos, module notes, practice quizzes, presentations, assignment briefs, and additional web resources.
On the Online Campus, you'll also be able to ask questions and interact with your fellow students and teaching team through the discussion forums. If you are looking for your Online Campus login, please visit your Account page here.
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