IW:LEARN TDA/SAP Training Course Module 3: Developing the SAP

Section 5: Brainstorming Innovative Ideas, Opportunities and Solutions

Where are we? Defining the Vision Setting goals or status statements Brainstorming innovative ideas Identifying options or alternatives

In this Section you will learn about…. What do we mean by Innovation? What is brainstorming? Process for brainstorming innovative ideas, opportunities and solutions Advice from the field

What do we mean by innovation? Any kind of change introduced to a system, regardless of whether it’s a new thing Could include new policies, projects, programmes, technologies, attitudes etc. Based on a combination of criteria, such as expected reduction in the impact of the transboundary problems, chances of success, and capacity to sustain the change over the longer term

What do we mean by innovation? The purpose of this step in the strategic thinking phase is to brainstorm potential innovative ideas and opportunities that will target the leverage points, help achieve the goals, and reduce the impact of each transboundary problem.

What is brainstorming? Thee rapid generation and listing of solution ideas without clarification and without evaluation of their merits  Works best with a varied group of people from a range of disciplines and have different backgrounds  Requires a facilitator, a relaxed environment and something on which to write ideas, such as a white-board or a flip chart.

Brainstorming Guidelines Avoid linking names to ideas Encourage all ideas - anything is possible Defer judgment Encourage each other Go for quantity - accept everything! Build on each others ideas

Process for brainstorming innovative ideas, opportunities and solutions…. ….that target the leverage points and meet the vision and goals They could be: innovative “new” ideas Defined as solutions or interventions “Old” ideas – but with a new focus The point is to be as creative as possible during this step Critical analysis of the proposed ideas or opportunities comes later.

Often limited available resources Prioritisation…. ….is key to brainstorming and an integral part of any strategic planning process Often limited available resources Helps to identify which innovative ideas or opportunities should be considered further

Process for Brainstorming Ideas Step 2: Identifying Options or Alternatives: Selection of ideas, opportunities or solutions that best meet the needs and realities of the region Step 1: Identification of innovative ideas and opportunities that target the leverage points and meet the identified vision and goals

Step 1: Identification of innovative ideas and opportunities This step can also be successfully be accomplished through a collaborative workshop involving the SAP Development team and supplemented with additional specialists The workshop can be run during the same meeting that the Vision and goals are identified or during a separate meeting

Step 2: Identifying Options or Alternatives The purpose of this step is to identify the ideas, opportunities or solutions that best meet the needs and realities of the region The outcome will be an table of prioritised alternative ideas, opportunities or solutions that will provide the basis for more detailed in- country consultations and discussions on options or alternatives

Often limited available resources Prioritisation…. ….is key to brainstorming and an integral part of any strategic planning process Often limited available resources Helps to identify which innovative ideas or opportunities should be considered further

Step 2: Identifying Options or Alternatives The purpose of this step is to identify the ideas, opportunities or solutions that best meet the needs and realities of the region The outcome will be an table of prioritised alternative ideas, opportunities or solutions that will provide the basis for more detailed in- country consultations and discussions on options or alternatives This will be discussed in more detail in the next section

Advice from the Field Planning is everything. Make sure you and key SAP development team members are familiar with the process before you deliver it. You will need to set some ground rules before beginning any effective brainstorming session. However, you must be careful not to set the rules so tight that you stifle creativity. Brainstorming is more than putting people into a room and talking about ideas. You will need to ensure that the discussion focuses in the right direction while supporting a free flow of ideas. It is not the tool you will use to determine the best solution. Your goal for a brainstorming session is to get as many ideas as possible out in the open. Discussion and analysing these ideas will come later.

Group Exercise In groups of 5: Brainstorm innovative ideas based on: The leverage points The vision The goals Remember the ‘golden rules of brainstorming’ Timing: 25 minutes

Brainstorming Guidelines Avoid linking names to ideas Encourage all ideas - anything is possible Defer judgment Encourage each other Go for quantity - accept everything! Build on each others ideas

Group Exercise In groups of 5: Brainstorm innovative ideas based on: The leverage points The vision The goals Remember the ‘golden rules of brainstorming’ Timing: 25 minutes