Overview

Prepared by (Name of the experimenter)

Tran Huong Giang - Head of Experimentation

On date (Day/Month/Year)

14/01/2024

What portfolio does this activity correspond to? If any

Public Sector Innovation

What is the frontier challenge does this activity responds to?

The frontier challenge that this activity responds to is how to leverage the night-time economy and tourism as a driver for sustainable and resilient urban development. The activity seeks to explore new ways of enhancing the attractiveness, diversity, and safety of night-time activities and services, as well as promoting the participation and well-being of local residents and visitors. 

What is the learning question(from your action learning plan) is this activity related to?

The learning question that this activity relates to is how to design and implement a city lab model that can facilitate cross-sectoral collaboration, experimentation, and learning for urban innovation. The activity involves setting up a multi-disciplinary task force, conducting research and analysis, proposing and selecting ideas, organizing and evaluating pilot events, and reporting and disseminating the results and recommendations. 

Please list the names of partners mentioned in the previous question:

Da Nang Provincial People’s Committee 

Design

What is the specific learning intent of the activity?

The learning intent of the activity is to test the application of the night lab model - a precursor to the city lab model - for Da Nang city, and to propose innovative solutions to promote night-time economy and tourism development. 

What is your hypothesis? IF... THEN....

The hypothesis of the activity was: If street music performances are organized at night in different locations and themes, then the night economy and tourism of Da Nang will be enhanced. 

Describe which actions will you take to test your hypothesis:

Conducted a survey and a focus group discussion with potential participants and stakeholders to assess their needs, preferences, and expectations for the night economy and tourism activities.  Designed and planned four experimental events, each with a different location and theme, to attract and cater to different segments of the target audience.  Coordinated with relevant authorities and partners to secure the venues, permits, equipment, and performers for the events.  Promoted the events through various channels, such as social media, flyers, banners, and word-of-mouth.  Implemented the events, ensuring the quality, safety, and diversity of the performances and services.  Collected feedback and data from the participants, performers, organizers, and observers, using methods such as questionnaires, interviews, observation, and photography.  Analyzed the feedback and data to measure the impacts and outcomes of the events, such as the number and satisfaction of the participants, the income and expenditure of the organizers and performers, the changes in the perception and behavior of the residents and visitors, and the challenges and lessons learned from the implementation. 

What is the unit of analysis of this experimental activity?

The unit of analysis of this experimental activity is the individual participant, who can be a resident or a visitor of Da Nang, and who attended one or more of the experimental events. 

Please describe the data collection technique proposed

The data collection technique proposed is a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, such as surveys, interviews, focus group discussions, observation, and secondary data analysis. 

What is the timeline of the experimental activity? (Months/Days)

The timeline of the experimental activity is from June 2021 to February 2022, with four main events:  March 26, 2022: Street music performance at the west bank of Dragon Bridge  April 15, 2022: Street music performance at the half-moon area, Bach Dang street  April 22, 2022: Light up Da Nang event with street art and music at the same location  April 29, 2022: Light up Da Nang event with Korean-themed music and art at the same location 

Please upload any supporting images or visuals for this experiment.

Please upload any supporting links

What are the estimated non- monetary resources required for this experiment? (time allocation from team, external resources, etc) If any.

Coordination and collaboration among the members of the working group, UNDP, and other relevant agencies and units.  Data collection and analysis to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of the experiment.  Communication and promotion to raise awareness and attract participation from the public and stakeholders.  Logistics and security to ensure the smooth and safe operation of the events. 

Results

Was the original hypothesis (If.. then) proven or disproven?

The hypothesis was partially proven by the results of the pilot events, which showed positive impacts on the participants, the public space, and the local economy. 

Do you have observations about the methodology chosen for the experiment? What would you change?

The methodology chosen for the experiment was to form a working group consisting of representatives from various sectors and agencies, and to collaborate with UNDP to design and implement a series of night-time cultural and artistic events in selected locations. Some observations about the methodology are:  The working group was able to mobilize resources and creativity from different stakeholders and to propose and test innovative solutions for the night economy and tourism.  The collaboration with UNDP provided technical and financial support, as well as access to international best practices and networks.  The pilot events were designed to be participatory, inclusive, and diverse, reflecting the cultural identity and potential of Da Nang.  The pilot events also faced some challenges, such as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the coordination among multiple actors, the legal and regulatory framework, and the evaluation and monitoring system. 

From design to results, how long did this activity take? (Time in months)

The activity took about 22 months from design to results, from July 2020 to May 2022. 

What were the actual monetary resources invested in this activity? (Amount in USD)

Does this activity have a follow up or a next stage? Please explain

The activity has a follow-up stage, which is to prepare a report on the pilot experiment, including the evaluation of the impacts, the lessons learned, and the recommendations for policy and scaling up. The report will be submitted to the Da Nang People’s Committee and UNDP for approval and dissemination. 

Is this experiment planned to scale? How? With whom?

The experiment is planned to scale up in the following ways:  Expanding the scope and frequency of the night-time cultural and artistic events to other locations and seasons, and involving more artists, performers, and audiences.  Developing and implementing a comprehensive strategy and action plan for the night economy and tourism, based on the findings and recommendations of the pilot experiment.  Establishing a permanent and institutionalized city lab for Da Nang, with a clear mandate, structure, and resources, to continue to foster innovation and collaboration for urban development. 

Please include any supporting images that could be used to showcase this activity

Please add any supporting links that describe the planning, implementation, results of learning of this activity? For example a tweet, a blog, or a report. 

Learning

What do you know now about the action plan learning question that you did not know before? What were your main learnings during this experiment?

The main learnings during this experiment were:  The City Lab model is a creative and innovative approach that mobilizes the collective intelligence and collaboration of different stakeholders to find solutions for urban challenges.  The Night Lab concept is a potential way to stimulate the night-time economy and tourism in Da Nang, by creating a safe and attractive space for cultural and artistic activities, as well as enhancing the city’s image and identity.  The experiment involved various steps, such as researching the best practices of City Lab and night-time economy, proposing and selecting ideas, planning and organizing events, and evaluating the results and recommendations. 

What were the main obstacles and challenges you encountered during this activity?

The experiment faced some obstacles and challenges, such as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the lack of data and evidence on the night-time economy, the coordination and communication among different actors, and the legal and regulatory framework for night-time activities. 

Who at UNDP might benefit from the results of this experimental activity? Why?

It can provide insights and lessons learned on how to apply the City Lab model in different contexts and domains, and how to foster innovation and social change in urban development.  It can showcase the value and impact of UNDP’s support and partnership with local governments and communities, and how to leverage the existing resources and potentials of the city. 

Who outside UNDP might benefit from the results of this experiment? and why?

The local government and authorities of Da Nang, who can use the findings and recommendations to inform their policies and strategies for developing the night-time economy and tourism, as well as enhancing the city’s resilience and competitiveness.  The local businesses and entrepreneurs, who can benefit from the increased opportunities and demand for night-time services and products, as well as the improved infrastructure and environment for their operations.  The local residents and visitors, who can enjoy a more diverse and vibrant cultural and social life at night, as well as a safer and more sustainable urban space. 

Did this experiment require iterations? If so, how many and what did you change/adjust along the way? and why?

This experiment required several iterations, as the team had to adapt and adjust to the changing situation and feedback. Some of the changes and adjustments were:  The team had to postpone and reschedule some of the events due to the COVID-19 outbreak and the social distancing measures.  The team had to modify and refine some of the ideas and activities based on the input and suggestions from the stakeholders and the participants.  The team had to collect and analyze different types of data and evidence, such as surveys, interviews, observations, and media reports, to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of the experiment. 

What advice would you give someone wanting to replicate this experimental activity?

Some of the advice that the team would give to someone wanting to replicate this experimental activity are:  Conduct a thorough research and analysis of the local context and needs, as well as the best practices and lessons learned from other cities and countries.  Engage and collaborate with a diverse and representative group of stakeholders, such as the government, the private sector, the civil society, and the academia, and ensure their participation and ownership throughout the process.  Design and implement the experiment in a flexible and iterative manner, and be ready to adapt and learn from the challenges and feedback.  Communicate and disseminate the results and recommendations widely and effectively, and seek for opportunities and partnerships to scale up and sustain the initiative. 

Can this experiment be replicated in another thematic area or other SDGs? If yes, what would need to be considered, if no, why not?

This experiment can be replicated in another thematic area or other SDGs, as the City Lab model is a versatile and adaptable approach that can be applied to various urban issues and domains. However, some of the factors that need to be considered are:  The specific characteristics and dynamics of the local context and the target group, such as the culture, the economy, the politics, and the environment.  The availability and accessibility of the data and evidence, as well as the tools and methods for collecting and analyzing them.  The legal and regulatory framework, as well as the institutional and organizational capacity, that enable or constrain the implementation of the experiment.  The potential risks and ethical implications, as well as the mitigation and safeguard measures, that might arise from the experiment. 

How much the "sense" and "explore" phases of the learning cycle influenced/shaped this experiment? In hindsight, what would you have done differently with your fellow Solution Mapper and Explorer?

The “sense” and “explore” phases of the learning cycle influenced and shaped this experiment in several ways, such as:  They helped the team to identify and understand the problem and the opportunity, as well as the existing and potential solutions, for developing the night-time economy and tourism in Da Nang.  They enabled the team to map and engage with the relevant and influential stakeholders, and to build trust and rapport with them.  They inspired the team to generate and select creative and innovative ideas, and to design and plan the experiment in a participatory and inclusive way.  In hindsight, some of the things that the team would have done differently with their fellow Solution Mapper and Explorer are:  They would have conducted more field visits and observations, as well as more interviews and consultations, with the local businesses and residents, to gain more insights and feedback from their perspectives and experiences.  They would have involved more experts and practitioners from other cities and countries, who have experience and knowledge on the night-time economy and the City Lab model, to learn from their best practices and challenges.  They would have used more digital and online platforms and tools, such as social media, webinars, and online surveys, to communicate and interact with the stakeholders and the participants, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

What surprised you?

The high level of interest and enthusiasm from the stakeholders and the participants, who showed their support and appreciation for the initiative, and who actively contributed and engaged in the events and activities.  The positive and significant impact of the experiment, which not only increased the attractiveness and vibrancy of the night-time economy and tourism, but also enhanced the social cohesion and cultural diversity of the city.  The unexpected and emergent outcomes and learnings, which revealed new insights and opportunities, as well as new challenges and limitations, for developing the night-time economy and tourism in Da Nang.