Connecting innovators across government to build smarter, faster public services.
Contents
What is the Innovation Collective?
The Innovation Collective is a network of public servants working together to embed innovation across government. We exist to translate Australia’s commitment to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Declaration on Public Sector Innovation into practical action through coordination, shared learning, and visible system-level change.
Our mission is to turn innovation moments into innovation momentum by building one connected national innovation system. It’s for public servants, agencies, and collaborators who want to make innovation part of everyday practice, “turning the new into the normal”.
Why does this matter? Because citizens expect smarter, faster, and more connected services, and innovation is how we deliver better outcomes in a world of tightening budgets and rising expectations.
Supported by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
The department provides sponsorship and chairs the Innovation Collective meetings to ensure innovation efforts are coordinated and impactful.
In partnership with the Innovation community
The Innovation Collective (Collective) is supported by the Innovation community within the Digital Profession on the Members’ Community Platform. The platform fosters collaboration among digital professionals across the Australian Public Service.
While the Collective connects innovators and drives system-level change, the community focuses on digital capability, helping practitioners develop skills, share methodologies, and adopt technologies that transform government services.
Together, we link strategy with practice to accelerate innovation across all levels of government.
Our principles
We follow 5 principles from the OECD declaration that guide how we work:
- Innovation as a core function - making innovation part of everyday government practice.
- Collaboration and engagement - working together across agencies and with citizens.
- Learning and adaptation - embracing change and continuous improvement.
- Evidence-based decisions - using data and insights to shape better outcomes.
- Sustainability and inclusiveness - ensuring innovation benefits everyone, now and in the future.
What we do
The Innovation Collective delivers practical initiatives that embed innovation across government and build momentum for change. Our key programs include:
- Innovation Handbook and template library - a practical guide and ready-to-use templates for public servants to apply innovation principles in everyday work.
- Innovation Month - a month-long celebration of creativity and collaboration across the public sector.
- The Public Sector Innovation Index - an annual report examining progress, challenges, and opportunities in embedding innovation across government.
Get involved
Be part of the movement by becoming a member, partnering with us or attending events.
To join the Innovation Collective and help shape the future of public service email DigitalInnovation@health.gov.au.
If you are a government employee, become a member of the Innovation community by joining the Members’ Community Platform.
For external individuals or industry partners who would like to help put on an event or activity during Innovation month (July) email InnovationMonth@finance.gov.au.