Thank you for visiting this case study on innovation in policy and technology for pandemic planning and response in Oakland County Michigan.
This case was developed by the Leadership for a Networked World (LNW) Program at the Harvard Kennedy School to encourage discussion and learning on the leadership issues that surround bringing forward innovations that address pressing public needs.
Framing the leadership issues in this case are the efforts of key officials in Oakland County Michigan to bring forward innovative measures in their preparation and response to a pandemic crisis. While the content of this case is tailored to the issues at hand in Michigan, much can be applied to general strategies for leading innovation, preparing a region for a crisis, and building the capacity to act in time.
This case is multi-purpose in nature, and can be used in facilitated classroom discussions, in groups to spur discussion on best practices, or on your own to research ideas for improving leadership, management and technological innovations that enable better performance.
The LNW Program would like to thank the officials from Oakland County Michigan who gave of their time, energy and hospitality to make this case happen – they exemplify the best in public service. We would also like to thank Cisco Systems Incorporated for their help in bringing forward emerging technologies and for their generous support in the Oakland County pilot and exercise. Additionally, thanks are due to VirtualAgility Incorporated, for their thought leadership, and to the Ready Communities Partnership, which is mobilizing groups and regions around the nation to enhance public/private partnerships for community readiness. And finally, to Sunburst Creative Group, for their expertise in video production. This case would not be possible without the participation of all the dedicated organizations and individuals above.
We hope you enjoy and learn from this case. Please feel free to contact the LNW Program with your questions or comments.
This case study was written by Antonio M. Oftelie for the Leadership for a Networked World Program at the Harvard Kennedy School. This case is copyright ©2007 by the President and Fellows of Harvard College. This case is designed to facilitate classroom discussion and is not intended to serve as an endorsement, source of primary data, or illustration of effective or ineffective management. No part of this case or the case website content may be reproduced or copied without the permission of the Leadership for a Networked World Program and the Harvard Kennedy School.