Their Future, Our Action: Cambridge Small States Policy Simulation Labs

The Small States Policy Simulation Labs Project is a collaboration between the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Centre for Resilience and Sustainable Development, University of Cambridge. Led by Dr Nazia Mintz Habib, the Centre is a global action-research initiative focused on achieving sustainable development, good governance and responsible innovation.

In the wake of COVID-19, the collaboration utilises systems thinking to enable small states to develop innovative, tested, deliverable policy solutions to improve economic resilience.

In particular, the project is focusing on enabling small states to attract sustainable finance for youth and biodiversity as essential components of sustainable development.

In the face of multiple threats and burdens, especially from the impacts of climate change and the pandemic, the collaboration helps policymakers in small states develop resilience thinking; a trainable skill to optimise the use of resources and enhance capacity to survive in the face of shocks and unpredictable crises

The collaboration has three key phases:

The Cambridge Policy Boot Camp was an intensive workshop by 150 young people and 20 experts and subsequent deep dive analysis. Participants worked together, applying systems thinking in public policy to develop fresh ideas and innovative policy solutions.

Cambridge Country Consultation engages eminent global thinkers and representatives from small states to analyse the ideas and outcomes from the Policy Boot Camp and ensure rigorous testing and preparation for phase three. An Expert Advisory Panel will accompany each phase of the collaboration.

Policy Simulation Labs will test policy options through ‘lifelike experience’ sessions, enabling small states’ policymakers to preview outcomes, improving the drafting and delivery of real-world policies in the face of crises.

Each Lab will be designed by the University of Cambridge research team in partnership with the Secretariat, Commonwealth member states and local knowledge centres - as well as leaders and experts from the public and private sectors, as well as civil society - in order to represent the socio-political and economic system of each country.