American University of Beirut

From 2019-2020, in light of the growing need for countries to adapt their governance mechanisms to meet the demands of an increasingly complex, globalized, and technology driven world, the Institute's Governance and Policy Lab (IFI GovLab) aimed to undertake innovative policy research and activities addressing some of the most pressing policy issues and public sector challenges faced in Lebanon and the region. The IFI GovLab’s goal was to strengthen the ability of local and regional actors to enhance governance mechanisms and the uptake of innovation within organizations, particularly those in the public sector, by providing them with the right tools and evidence to address national priorities, to the ultimate benefit of the greater public. The IFI GovLab also aimed to conduct policy research affecting digital policies and internet governance in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, in order to advance knowledge creation and existing evidence on inclusive institutions and good governance in the region. 

The IFI GovLab’s research focused on two main tracks: 

The IFI GovLab built on existing programs and ongoing research at the Institute and other external programs, adopted best practices and available evidence, and used innovative methods such as design thinking in order to ensure that the potential uptake of innovation within the public sector is efficient and ​sustainable. To this end, the IFI GovLab worked collaboratively with multiple actors, including but not limited to academics, private and public institutions, experts, the public and global technology companies, with the aim of translating academic and policy research on relevant digital policies into action.