The Challenge of Implementation
May 1, 2024
In governance and innovation, the gap between planning and execution often seems insurmountable. This struggle is particularly pronounced on our island. Empirical evidence, such as the comparison between Curaçao, Aruba, and Sint Maarten, clearly highlights our difficulty with implementation.
Despite being theoretically advantaged by a larger population, we falter where others succeed. Recently, a meeting offered me a unique insight into this puzzle. The implementation challenges became manifestly apparent in this gathering of twelve highly educated individuals, each with a specific goal.
The group was tasked with formulating a vision and mission, a schedule of requirements, a business plan, and applying for subsidies. However, debates over the project's name and individual ideas followed.
When a concrete proposal to take the first step and identify ourselves was presented, it was swiftly rejected with the consensus that "it is going too fast." Instead, the group decided to organize a hackathon in the near future to gather ideas.
The flaw in this approach was apparent. Organizing a hackathon, an unproven method locally doesn't guarantee innovative solutions. It's a case of doing what has always been done and expecting different results.
We need to embrace the principle of social innovation: "Just do it; start with where you are and with what you have." Until we can innovate ourselves, progress will remain elusive.
In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, "Change the world, start with yourself, and be the change you want to see in the world." It's time we embody this ethos and pave the way for real progress through effective implementation.
Miguel Goede