UNDP Iraq Accelerator Lab

We are exploring the reasons for the limited innovation environment and working on policy-level changes to embed tools for innovation within Iraqi institutions.

The UNDP Accelerator Lab in Iraq is exploring critical points within the public innovation ecosystem in Iraq to support in injecting and scaling-up local solutions that enhance the innovation ecosystem in Iraq. The Lab is using systems thinking, design thinking and future thinking to sense, explore and support the development of local solutions. Specifically, the Accelerator Lab is working with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Iraq to induce structural changes within teaching methods and capacity building of both youth and higher education professionals with the aim of limiting tunnel vision in employment. Adding to this, the Lab is using Behavioral Insights (BI) to sense and explore the need for innovative methods and tools within the Business Incubation Centers in the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. The aim is to experiment on the usefulness of such tools in creating more innovative ideas from the entrepreneurs within the Business Centers.

The Lab has also been working on innovative ways to promote action on climate change by encouraging positive behavioral change in Iraqi citizens.