This guide is primarily intended for the supporters of experiments in the public sector. It has been compiled by the Experimental Finland project of the Prime Minister’s Office and the ‘Me Uskaltajat’ (Courage to experiment) programme of the Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities. The guide delves into the different forms of supporting experimentation, which are divided into four themes: initiating and conducting an experiment, communications, utilisation and effectiveness of experiments, and procurement and funding of experiments.

The guide will help the mentors steer the trials to a better conclusion and to avoid the pitfalls of experiments. An experimental culture enables agile transformation that utilises resources efficiently and where failures are learnt from, outcomes are shared, and evidence-based development is possible. Mentors are needed to provide clarity, act as coaches and offer encouragement for experiments so that they reach their full potential.