Weekly Briefing: How Singapore made innovation go viral; making smart cities fun

Singapore made innovation go viral in its civil service. From robot police to facial recognition ID, Singapore is at the forefront of government innovation. Here’s how it used a bespoke framework to spread experimentation across its 145,000-person public service.
(Apolitical)

In Australia, drought dried up farm jobs — so government became the employer. Unemployed farmers are paid to do environmental work, providing them with an income in times of uncertainty. It’s a model for other communities struggling with the effects of climate change on jobs.
(Apolitical)

The 80/20 approach: The secret of the Los Angeles Innovation Team’s success. The i-team does 80% of the work on new projects, and partners do 20%. Giving them a voice in decision-making and design makes the project's transition from lab to department easier.
(Amanda Daflos and Alex Pudlin, The Los Angeles Innovation Team)

Is there a role for fun and games in smart cities? Most are designed with efficiency and functionality in mind — not spontaneous play. The Playable City movement offers an alternative model, prioritising artistic, low-tech urban design.
(Dale Leorke, Centre of Excellence in Game Culture Studies)

Governance and Citizen Engagement

The world got better in 2018 — here are 15 charts that show how. Over 10% of the world’s energy now comes from renewable sources; more countries have legalised same-sex marriage; infant mortality is falling sharply; and worldwide, women hold more government seats than ever before.
(Quartz)

Malaysia announced free national health insurance for low-income people. More than four million households will benefit from the new policy. The government will also pay out an income replacement stipend when people miss work due to hospitalisation.
(Channel News Asia)

California will limit pet sales to rescue and shelter animals. As of January 1, store owners caught selling dogs, cats or rabbits from private breeders will face a fine of $500 per animal. It’s the first US state to introduce legislation aimed at curtailing 'puppy mills' and 'kitten factories'.
(CNN)

Evolving Cities

New York is enlisting bars and clubs to fight sexual harassment. A new bill would require them to train staff in how to identify and intervene when someone is being harassed. Studies show that most women expect to be harassed on a night out and view it as a ‘normal part of the experience’.
(Citylab)

Technology Frontiers

Barcelona released a free guide to building smart cities that respect citizens’ digital privacy and rights. The Ethical Digital Policy Toolkit aims to help governments be more open, transparent and collaborative as they modernise their digital infrastructure and services.
(The city of Barcelona)

Vanuatu is delivering vaccines by drone. Some 20% of the island-nation’s children miss their shots because hospitals and electricity are scarce in rural areas. Vanuatu partnered with an Australian startup to deliver medicine via drone to these remote locales, many of which are only accessible by boat.
(The New York Times)

And finally

The smallest town in the US has a population of one. As the mayor of Monowi, Nebraska, 84-year-old Elsie Eiler voted for herself, pays taxes to herself and granted her own bar’s liquor license. It’s the only incorporated place in the US with just one resident.

(Picture credit: Flickr/VISITFLANDERS)