Innovative Idea Initiative (I³) FAQs

 

What is the Innovative Idea Initiative (I³)?

The Innovative Idea Initiative (I³) is a way for employees to share ideas and strategies that will help reduce the cost of government operations in our state.  The program taps into the knowledge and experience of State of Connecticut employees and retirees, and encourages them to provide their ideas directly to the Governor regarding innovative ways of cutting costs and providing services to the public.

Who is eligible?

Employees of all branches of state government – Executive, Legislative, and Judicial – are welcome to submit ideas.  This includes employees working in our state college and university systems.  Retired state employees are also eligible to take part in the program.  Please note that elected and appointed state officials are welcome to submit innovations but are not eligible for the cash rewards. 

What types of projects or ideas will be considered?

The program is looking for innovations that represent ideas, invention, solutions to problems, or achievements that result in the improvement of methods, equipment, procedures, or operations.  The innovation should be directly linked to fiscal resources, efficiency, cost avoidance, effectiveness, or energy conservation.  An innovative idea must be directed toward such things as improved delivery of services, improved services to the public, reduction in agency costs, increased productivity, increased efficiency of work operations, or increased revenue.

What types of ideas or innovations will not be considered?

Innovative ideas that will not be considered for recognition and implementation are those that directly relate to an employee’s duties and responsibilities, relate to personnel classifications, salary, or grievances, or require legislation to be enacted.

What is the process for submitting an innovation?

Ideas must be submitted electronically via the Innovations web site (www.ct.gov/governorrell/innovations).  An electronic format allows you to fill out the form right on the web.  Since this program is about innovation and promoting the efficient operation of government, the goal is to utilize the online system to submit innovative ideas.

What information should I include or provide?

The Innovations form contains fields for all of the necessary information, including contact information, the innovation, and the situation or condition it would address.

Can a group submit an innovation?

Yes.  Groups are welcome to submit an innovation.  However, one employee must be designated as the main contact in the event the I³ Review Panel has questions or requires additional information.

Can the employee submitting the innovation remain anonymous?

Yes, to a degree.  The Panel reviewing the submitted innovation will need the name and contact information for the individual submitting the idea in the event the Panel needs more information for its review, or to recognize the individual for submitting a meritorious innovation.

As part of the review process, the Panel will be working with state agencies to fully comprehend the impacts of a proposed innovation.  During this stage of the review, an applicant’s identity will remain anonymous.

Does the innovation have to be limited to just my agency?

No.  In fact, the innovation could be an idea or suggestion that applies to the overall operation of state government.  The goal is to encourage employees to look at established state government systems with an eye toward innovation and efficiency.

Can an employee submit more than one innovation?

Yes.  The Panel will review all applications that are submitted.

Who reviews or evaluates the innovation?

Governor Rell has designated a seven-member I³ Review Panel consisting of officials from the Executive Branch to review the ideas submitted.  The idea or recommendation will go through an initial screening process to determine if, for example, the recommendation or idea falls within the jurisdiction of state government or if a similar idea has already been proposed. 

Following that step, the Review Panel will coordinate a secondary review with the agency or agencies potentially impacted by the proposed innovation.  Once this process is completed, the Panel will rank the eligible recommendations or ideas and determine which ones will be recognized and implemented.

Will my agency be involved in the process?

Yes.  The I³ Review Panel will need to work with representatives from state agencies and offices to develop a further understanding as to the potential outcomes stemming from the implementation of a suggested innovation.

When can I submit an innovation?

The Innovations web site allows employees submit recommendations or ideas 24 hours a day, seven-days a week. 

Will I receive some sort of acknowledgement that my innovation was received?

If you provide a valid e-mail address when submitting your suggestion, you will receive an automated receipt notification.  This notification assures you that your suggestion has been received and will be considered for evaluation. 

Will I be able to track the status of my submitted innovation?

Once the evaluation process has been completed, you will receive notification from the Review Panel as to whether your suggested innovation has been approved or rejected.  There are no other process tracking options.

Can I work on my innovation or idea during working hours?

Yes, with permission of your supervisor.  Since the concept of this program is to encourage employees to apply their knowledge and experience to ways that will help our state government run more effectively, managers and supervisors are encouraged to permit employees a reasonable amount of time to develop their ideas.

Will I receive anything if my innovation is selected for implementation?

Yes.  Employees whose innovations or ideas are chosen for implementation will receive a monetary award – up to $1000.

Additionally, twice a year, Governor Rell will hold a ceremony to recognize the employees and their innovations and the innovations recognized throughout the year will be posted on the Innovations web site.