A systemic shift in the public sector calls for a mindset in which individuals recognize themselves as active agents within complex socio-technical systems. As traditional roles evolve across climate challenges, digital change, and shifting societal needs, public servants must learn to navigate uncertainty while fostering stewardship that is ethical, inclusive, and resilient. To support this shift, the learning unit cultivates an understanding of role-based agency, helping learners see how their actions infl uence (and are infl uenced by) the systems around them. By framing innovation as a shared endeavour across public and private sectors, participants are encouraged to articulate a sense of future agency that can guide their learning journey and strengthen their contribution to systemic change. The learning unit employs a systems design narrative to teach public sector innovation. It emphasizes role-based agency development, using the OECD’s Innovation Facets Model to structure the exploration of adaptive, anticipatory, enhancement, and mission-oriented innovation. This approach positions learners to see their current roles and the transformative potential they can unlock within systems.

Learner explains public sector innovation and agency. Learner identifies innovation types and their relevance. Learner reflects on their own role to determine ways to take responsibility and act with more initiative in socio-technical innovation contexts.