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 on innovative ways of cutting costs and providing services to the public.

Eligibility

Employees of all branches of government, including colleges and universities, and constitutional offices, are eligible to participate in the Innovations program except elected and appointed officials. 

Retired state employees are also eligible to participate in the Innovations program.

Innovation

An eligible innovation is a constructive idea, invention, problem solution, or achievement leading to the improvement of methods, equipment, procedures, or operations.  The innovation should contribute directly to economy, efficiency, cost avoidance, mission effectiveness, or energy conservation.

The innovation must be directed towards such things as:  improved delivery of services; reduction in agency costs; increased productivity; increased efficiency of work operations; improved services to the public; or, increased revenue.

• Relates to classification and pay/or personal grievances
• Duplicates an active suggestion
• Has already been implemented
• Directly relates to the suggester’s assigned duties or responsibilities
• Pertains to matters requiring the enactment of legislation
• Pertains to matters recommended for study, review or summary, or matters, which are the result of assigned of contracted audits, studies, surveys, reviews or research

Submittal

Innovations will be submitted online via this web site dedicated to the I3 program.

The Innovation submittal will include:

• Contact information
• Subject of innovation
• Specific description of the present condition
• Innovation – plus, how and where it can be applied
• Benefits to the state – i.e., enhance delivery of services, generate revenue, result in efficiencies, etc.

All Innovations submitted for consideration will receive appropriate acknowledgement, regardless of acceptance by the I3 Review Panel.

Innovation Form

All recommendations must be submitted on the official Innovations Form.  Each innovation shall be presented in a manner that provides a clear and detailed description the of the conditions the innovation seeks to address or remedy, how the innovation will save money and/or otherwise benefit the agency, the state, or the public.

Each recommendation must be submitted on a separate form.

Submittals on behalf of a group are permitted.  Recommendations submitted by a group shall provide the name of one submitter as a correspondent on the Innovations Form.

Evaluation Process

Each submission will be initially screening to determine if the submission meets the basic requirements – eligibility criteria, whether or not the innovation falls within the jurisdiction of state government, etc.

Following the initial screening, proposal that meet the basic requirements will be forwarded to state’s I3 Review Panel.  The panel, using pre-determined criteria, will evaluate the merits of the innovation.  Part of the review process will involve consulting with the agency or office of cognizance in cases where the innovation is agency-specific.

Recognition and Awards

The I3 Review Panel will review all submissions and select the recommended innovations to be implemented and recognized by the Governor. 

Individuals or groups who submit an innovative idea selected for implementation will receive a monetary award up to $1000.  In addition, all innovative ideas selected for implementation will be posted on the I3 web site.