Local authorities - a key player for solutions

We are in the midst of a test period that will determine whether we are able to provide a response to the environmental threats we face, which includes climate change, resource depletion, pollution and the erosion of biological diversity. These problems and many others are crucial at the global level, but many of them have solutions at the local level. This understanding makes the local authority a central player in the ability to successfully face these challenges.

The power of local authorities in being able to make a real impact is based on several key factors: First, the local authority has direct and indirect relationships with the residents and other parties in the urban areas such as academic institutions, commercial bodies and civil society organizations - It has the ability to raise awareness to these issues and mobilize all stakeholders as partners in beneficial moves for the environment. Second, the local authority knows very well how to adapt the plans and actions to the local culture, norms and values. Third, as a provider of resources and an example to other organizations, the authority's influence is great among those around it. Hence, leading authorities in Israel and in the world show today that they can be a pioneering force, leading to solutions.

Driving Change Through Innovation

In an era of constant change and of growing climate, social and economic challenges, local authorities are developing avenues of growth that connect more and more innovation and sustainability!

The local authority is given four possible engines of change: technology and innovation, environment and climate, society and community and strong governance. Each of these four engines is important in creating an effective change for the better and our recommendation is to test the activation of all of them.

This toolbox focuses on the engine of innovation, through which you can strive towards a new model of sustainable urban life. This is not an empty promise - along the way you will find a variety of case studies that will illustrate how cities can succeed in providing solutions to critical problems, through the application of the tools presented in the kit.

The toolkit before you is suitable for any authority, regardless of its size and the scope of its resources:

Small authorities with limited resources can focus on local innovation moves, on creating collaborations with other authorities in their vicinity as well as with anchor bodies (see below).

Medium-sized authorities, benefiting from more extensive resources, can actively support research, facilitate cooperation between sectors and create a favorable regulatory environment.

Large authorities with significant resources, can design policies, initiate large-scale projects and create a significant impact.

Let's start by understanding what is an innovation ecosystem and what are the important principles we should be aware of