UNICEF Supply Division: Innovation Unit

Jessica TribbeInnovation Project Consultant

UNICEF Supply Division

FinPro Business Seminar7 May 2015

Innovation Unit Offices

• Innovation Unit at Supply Division in Copenhagen:

works closely with private sector and other partners

on supply and product innovation.

Innovation Unit in New York: supports UNICEF

programs through integration of technology, design

thinking and partnerships with the private sector and

academia.

Innovation Centre in Nairobi: identifies and field

tests scalable innovations.

Innovation Unit in San Francisco: builds partnerships

with the technology sector, and will help scale social

innovation start-ups.

Innovation Labs around the world

Role of Supply Division in Product Development

Supply Division

Developers/SuppliersField

Reach Scale Price

Quality

Timeline Cost

Need Demand

Development

Implementation

Technology Push vs. Market Pull

Linear Pull vs. Iterative Push

Phase 0: ExploreDesk research & light

user analysis

Phase 1: Concept Heavy analysis of

concepts & testing against users

Phase 2: Field trial Physical prototype

development and field trial

Gate 0 Gate 2 Gate 3Gate1

Phase 3: Scale upProcurement and closely monitored implementation

How We Drive Product Development

Communicate the need- User research- Target product profile (inform potential product development without

prescribing specific solution, communicate need)- Expression of Interest, Request for Proposals

Active participation in product development & testing- Funding academic research- Field trials in UNICEF context - Convening of partners/advisory committees for feedback

Promote market uptake and scale up- Advance market commitment (guaranteeing a viable market once

product is developed)- Subsidies/ cost-sharing for new products- Communication to Country Offices

Communication of Needs

Latrine Slab: Communication to suppliers on alterations to existing products to allow for access of children with disabilities.

Pneumonia Diagnostic Device: Research conducted in Uganda, needs communicated to private sector through a TPP

Product Development

Real Time E.coli testing: Providing funding for academic research to determine the possibility of instantly detecting E.coli bacteria in water without the need for laboratory analysis.

School Furniture: User research to understand needs of students, schools, & and local carpenters.

Product Development: Field Trials

Jerry Can for emergencies: Field trial of a new design with users to obtain feedback on design and usability.

Latrine Additives: Field trial of existing product in the UNICEF context.

Scale up and Market Uptake

Pneumonia Diagnostic Device:

• Pilot implementations with Government partners with first generation devices in the field.

• Partnerships with WHO, Malaria Consortium and Government partners.

• Identification of funding to subsidize or share costs with governments to help with trainings of health workers and build the market.

Innovating to Create Impact

Bringing ideas to the field

Product Innovation is about procurement of fit for purpose and value for money supplies that have impact on our programmes and

emergencies.