A new memo published by the Federation of American Scientists, coauthored by SSRC President Anna Harvey, proposes a bold initiative to establish a nationwide network of university-based policy innovation labs in every state.

Drawing inspiration from the success of the Agriculture Experiment Stations created under the Hatch Act of 1887—which boosted local agricultural productivity by 6%—the memo argues that partnerships between local governments and universities are the most effective way to foster government innovation, through the rigorous evaluation of public programs and the implementation of evidence-based policy reforms.