Politicians, policy makers and public servants have never faced a situation like this. They immediately need policies that really work. Best practices can serve as an inspiration, a starting point and a proof of concept.
A government’s hackathon to tackle challenges in developing countries
With the #SmartDevelopmentHack, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development aims to support the development of digital solutions to overcome Covid-19-related challenges in developing countries. The best solutions receive funding to increase their impact in the long term.
Risk-mitigating measures for public transport
How to ensure that the local traffic infrastructure can continue its services, while at the same time protecting its staff and passengers from infection.
Pop-up bike lanes help with physical distancing
To ensure that people follow social distancing rules, a district in Berlin temporarily widenes cycle lanes.
A government’s framework for decision making during Covid-19
A document sets out guidelines on how government employees should
approach challenges posed by the corona pandemic.
Local business support platform
An online platform lets customers buy vouchers from small local businesses for later use to support them in the current situation.
Parliament provides virtual tours
Since the Austrian parliament building is closed to visitors due to Covid-19 social distancing measures, it offers virtual tours live via YouTube.
Providing adequate assistance for homeless people
To care for homeless people during the pandemic whilst protecting public health, health professionals and social workers offer assistance in Bratislava.
A marketing grant scheme for food, drink and horticulture businesses
The Irish Food Board set up a special grant to support the marketing and sales initiatives of the Irish food and horticulture industry.
Identifying and solving the most pressing legal challenges after the pandemic
The FT Innovative Lawyers Global Legal Hackathon was launched to identify and create new products and services that address the most pressing legal challenges post-Covid-19.
Government funding competition for businesses
By fast-tracking innovation, the UK government aims to become better placed to maintain employment levels and make the UK more resilient to similar disruptions.
Establishing a city-wide 24/7 hotline to support those in need
A hotline is provided for the particularly vulnerable, to receive assistance with necessary errands. Some people are more vulnerable to infectious disease than others. In the case of Covid-19, the elderly and people with certain
Using drones to inform people about Covid-19
In Tallinn the local government uses state-of-the-art technology to inform people about how to behave during the coronavirus crisis.