Harnessing digital government for place-based innovation policy: insights from Jakarta

Abstract

As more governments around the world seek to harness the power of digital technologies to approach policy and governance, there is growing recognition of the importance of local context in shaping the success of such initiatives. Place-based innovation policy offers a framework for tailoring government strategies to the unique needs and capabilities of different regions by acknowledging a different need of each city and region. Using Jakarta as a case study, this paper explores the challenges and opportunities of implementing digital government for place-based innovation policy in a populated metropolitan city with complex administrative structures. Drawing from empirical study and literature reviews, this paper analyzes the ways in which Jakarta's government has sought to leverage digital technologies as a tool to influence place-based innovation policy and its impact to the wider population, especially in times of crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper suggests the mainstreaming of mission-oriented approach to catalyze place-based innovation policy across government agencies, private sectors, and civil society.