Our Scope
Public Policy Innovation
At the SDG Innovation Lab we use unconventional approaches such as data science, behavioral science, and design thinking to tackle persistent development problems or improve solutions that already exist. The SDG Lab runs experiments to provide evidence-based recommendations to the government on what would work versus not work in Armenia, thereby stimulating the introduction of impactful solutions to development issues.
Public Service Innovation
Our Lab helps the Government to be more responsive to changes when technology is developing exponentially. We create and test tools, redesign processes and digitalize public services to meet expectations of citizens and reimagine the public's experience of interacting with the government. The Lab provides a framework to facilitate the implementation of such innovations.
Our Scope
Public Policy Innovation
At SDG Innovation Lab we use unconventional approaches to tackle persistent development problems or improve solutions that already exist with the goal of “leaving no one behind”. The SDG Lab runs experiments to provide evidence-based recommendations to the government on what would work versus not work in Armenia, thereby stimulating the introduction of impactful interventions to development issues.
Innovative Financing
Our Lab helps to explore opportunities that can help mobilise new funding sources for development (such as Crowdfunding or Diaspora Bonds) to meet the SDGs. We design and test new instruments capable of engaging public and private capital in the drive to overcome the funding gap for development activities. The Lab provides a framework to facilitate the implementation of such instruments.
Behavioral Experimentation
We integrate findings from psychology, sociology, law, neuroscience, and economics to generate insights into the behavior of individuals and the choices they make. This way, we help inform public policy, ameliorate public services, and improve the lives of citizens.
Our Services
Innovation at its best
Data Science
Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing are widely used for the major projects undertaken at the Lab, including the projects that ameliorate citizen-government correspondence, improve maternal health, develop sustainable tourism, bridge education to the labor market, and so much more.
Design Thinking
One of the underlying principles of the Lab is to make sure that all the products are created with the user in mind. With a human-centered core, design thinking is premised in developing a deep empathy towards people for whom we are designing a solution, and on unlocking our creative potential to co-design and test those solutions with our stakeholders and users.
Our Services
Innovation at its best
Behavioral Experimentation
Psychological, social, cultural factors can drive individual decisions. Through small, subtle interventions – or nudges- that influence behavior in a way that benefit individual and public.
Data Science
We harness data for sustainable development, whether it be creating a tool to conduct sentiment analysis on Armenia’s tourist services; developing an integrated digital solution for agriculture; or building a platform, which will help students make better-informed decisions and plan their career journeys.
Learning and Development
At the SDG Lab we demonstrate the value of experimentation to public servants and build knowledge of our adopted methods and approaches through full-fledged and hands-on workshops.
SDG
What does SDG in our Lab's name stand for?
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), otherwise known as the Global Goals, are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity.
The Government of Armenia signed on to Agenda 2030 and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in September 2015.
The complexity and interconnectedness of SDGs require novel approaches, methodologies, strong data systems, and institutions that would have the capacity to provide ‘out of the box’ solutions that bring about transformative impact.
In view of this complexity, the Armenia National SDG Innovation Lab was set up in 2017 to draw upon innovative methodologies from across the world to support and accelerate the SDG implementation process.
Our News
May 31
Edu2Work machine learning based platform makes labor market navigation simple
The Machine Learning based platform will aid in making evidence-based decisions and discovering opportunities for quality workforce
Feb 17
Behavioural Insights Applied Live Academy by UK’s Behavioral Insights Team
During a 3-day capacity-building and problem-centered learning workshop representatives from “Work Armenia” working group and public servants will learn the nuances of behavioral experiments
Jan 16
12 thought-provoking podcasts we like
Are you looking for a source of inspiration for 2020? Fret not, we have you covered.