Today, we’re meeting with Milica Begovic, the Head of the UNDP’s Strategic Innovation Unit.
Begovic shares her perspective on the growing complexities that institutions face today, such as geopolitical power shifts, societal polarization, climate disruptions, and rapid technological advancements.
Begovic argues that current institutions, which are often too hierarchical, rigid, and analog, are ill-equipped to address these challenges.
Their inability to respond flexibly in an interconnected world has led to failures in providing the necessary infrastructure for cross-sectoral collaboration, as highlighted by the challenges exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite these challenges, Begovic emphasizes that there is innovation occurring within institutions, both in the public sector and beyond.
Istanbul Innovation Days (IID) is focused on bringing together innovators from across the world to share ideas and best practices for reshaping institutions.
Begovic describes the event as an opportunity to learn from real-world examples of bureaucratic entrepreneurs and organizations that are experimenting with new forms of institutional structures. The goal is to identify patterns that work and help governments adapt to the fast-changing global landscape.
One exciting area of focus for IID 2025 raised by Begovic is the emergence of transversal issues – problems that span across multiple sectors and cannot be neatly contained within one area of expertise.
For example, well-being, loneliness, and the effects of heat and noise on productivity and health are complex issues that touch on many aspects of life. Begovic highlights how cities are beginning to address these issues in new ways, such as through the creation of “chief time officers”.
Another innovative concept discussed is the use of non-human intelligence in governance.
Begovic cites the example of Poznan, a city using live shells to monitor water quality. When the shells react to poor water quality by closing, the city’s water supply is shut off. This approach taps into organic forms of intelligence, raising important questions about the role of non-human organisms in decision-making.
Milica highlights the ethical considerations, such as what happens if the shell fails to respond correctly, which touches on the broader issue of justice systems and accountability in these types of interventions.
Begovic concludes by expressing excitement about the potential of IID 2025 to uncover new approaches to institutional change that are more suited to the complexities of today’s world.
By focusing on real-world examples, new forms of knowledge, and innovative thinking, IID aims to chart a path toward more resilient, adaptive institutions that can better serve governments and societies in the 21st century.
About the Istanbul Innovation Days 2025
The Istanbul Innovation Days 2025 convenes global leaders, thinkers, and innovators who are shaping institutional change and resilience in an increasingly complex world.
This short series highlights key voices exploring the pressures driving institutional evolution and the barriers that stand in the way.
From real-world examples to the challenge of anticipating crises before they unfold, these discussions explore how institutions can adapt to meet the demands of the future.
