Government Innovation Barometer 2025 Webinar: Key Takeaways
The Hague, Friday, 7 November 2025.
The Innovation Barometer webinar emphasized the need for agile government innovation to tackle societal challenges, noting a drop in innovation implementation from 86% in 2021 to 76% in 2025.
The Decline in Innovation Implementation
The recent Innovation Barometer for Government webinar, held on November 6, 2025, highlighted a significant decrease in innovation implementation across government organizations. In 2021, 86% of these organizations had successfully integrated new innovations, a figure that has since dropped to 76% by 2025 [1]. This decline raises critical questions about the challenges faced by public sector bodies in maintaining a dynamic and forward-thinking approach to governance.
Understanding the Barriers to Innovation
Stakeholders at the webinar, including Menno Spaan of Haagse Beek and Frans van Dongen from the Dutch Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, discussed potential barriers to innovation. Factors such as bureaucratic inertia, budget constraints, and a lack of cross-departmental collaboration were noted as significant hurdles [1]. The event emphasized the importance of creating a conducive environment for innovation through supportive policies and frameworks.
Strategies for Enhancing Government Agility
The webinar presented a range of strategies to boost government agility. One key approach is the utilization of collaborative technology platforms and the adoption of agile methodologies in project management [1]. These strategies aim to foster a more responsive government that can quickly adapt to emerging challenges and opportunities. Additionally, the integration of new technologies like AI and machine learning was highlighted as essential for improving decision-making processes and service delivery.
Case Study: Rotterdam’s Customer Signal Model
A standout example of successful innovation within the government sector is Rotterdam’s Customer Signal Model, showcased during the webinar. This initiative, led by Evelien Klomps, focuses on utilizing customer feedback to drive meaningful improvements in municipal services [1]. The model demonstrates how targeted innovation can enhance public engagement and service efficiency, serving as a template for other municipalities aiming to implement similar initiatives.