Exploring Innovation through Play: The Innovation Journey Workshop in Tábor
On 24–25 October 2025, a workshop focused on active learning and the development of an innovation culture in public administration was held at the training centre in Tábor, Czech Republic. The event was part of the INNlocal – Innovation in and through Local Governments project and was led by dr. Magdalena Chmelařová from the Faculty of Public Policies, Silesian University in Opava, one of the project partners.
The central element of the workshop was the dialogical card game Innovation Journey, used as a tool to foster innovative thinking, collaboration, and participation among students, professionals, and public administration staff. Based on the principles of active and challenge-based learning, the game helps participants identify barriers, opportunities, and possible directions for innovation within a local context.
Throughout several rounds of play, participants engaged with Scenario, Action, and Challenge phases, simulating real-life situations in local governance. Drawing on these experiences, they collaboratively formulated specific ideas and recommendations for improving the functioning of public institutions.
The workshop confirmed that playful and interactive learning methods can effectively promote cooperation, critical thinking, and the ability to develop innovative solutions within the field of public administration.
