Innovation Learning Path

Innovation involves experimenting, engaging with uncertainty and implementing new ideas. This learning path aims to facilitate a culture of innovation in the federal public service by curating courses, job aids and networks that can equip and empower innovation throughout the public service.

Innovation learning

To deliver better outcomes for Canadians in a complex and fast‑changing environment, public servants must be able to adapt, learn, and improve while work is underway. Iterative and innovative approaches help teams test assumptions, reduce risk, and make evidence‑informed adjustments to programs and policies—strengthening implementation and results.

Fundamentals in innovation

Fundamentals in Innovation: Getting Ready to Innovate (TRN243)
This online self-paced course (1 of 3) defines what innovation is, where it can occur and how it is practised.
Fundamentals in Innovation: Finding and Framing Innovation Opportunities (TRN244)
This online self-paced course (2 of 3) frames innovation as an opportunity and presents helpful techniques for identifying and understanding the needs of partners and stakeholders.
Fundamentals in Innovation: Developing and Pitching Innovative Solutions (TRN245)
This online self-paced course (3 of 3) introduces the basic facilitation and prototyping methodologies used to brainstorm, plan and undertake proper testing techniques.

Innovation in practice

A Journey Through Innovation (TRN5-J01)
This job aid presents a series of videos that feature Professor Larry Smith, Founder and Senior Researcher of the Problem Lab at the University of Waterloo, who explores the complexities of innovation in the public sector.
Leading Innovation (DDN242)
This online self-paced course explains the requirements for successful innovation and presents ways to lead effectively through the obstacles to its success.

Connecting with innovators

Innovation Hubs and Labs Network

Join the network and learn about upcoming meetups on GCCollab and GCXchange.
Explore the virtual kiosks of hubs and labs on vExpo.
Connect one-on-one with innovators by using the GC Innovator Living Library.

Events

Canada School of Public Service: Upcoming events

Helpful links

Experimentation Works
Learn about experimentation in the Government of Canada.
MAF 2022 to 2023 Innovation Management Methodology
Learn about how the Government of Canada assesses management excellence in innovation using the Management Accountability Framework (MAF).
Impact Canada
Learn about the initiative that helps solve some of Canada's biggest challenges.
Policy Horizons Canada
Learn about foresight and Policy Horizons Canada's work in this field.
Data Ecosystem Resource Directory or the GC Data Ecosystem Overview visualization
Consult the Data Ecosystem Resource Directory (DERD) or the visualization for data-related resources.
Innovation in the public service
Learn about innovative initiatives that aim to improve how public servants serve Canadians.

Features

Project Management Learning Path

Emotional Intelligence Learning Path

Review and Reflection Series

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Date modified:: 2026-01-08

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Innovation Learning Path