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Since its launch, Wyakom has redefined innovation in Abu Dhabi's social sector, actively engaging the community to address key social challenges through a structured, community-centric approach. Wyakom, is an initiative of the Department of Community Development (DCD) that was launched in 2022, serves as a collaborative platform that empowers citizens to contribute ideas for sustainable, impactful solutions. This crowdsourcing model, a pioneering approach in government innovation, bridges the gap between the community and the government, transforming social insights into tangible projects. Below, we outline Wyakom’s major achievements in organizational management, corporate social responsibility, and product design & development.
Organizational Management
Wyakom excels in organizational management by establishing a streamlined process for managing the entire cycle of idea generation, development, and implementation. This cycle is built on a structured crowdsourcing framework that allows community members to submit innovative ideas directly to the platform. To facilitate this, Wyakom introduced a transparent evaluation process with criteria rooted in social impact and feasibility, ensuring that submissions align with Abu Dhabi’s strategic goals.
In 2023, Wyakom strengthened this framework by signing nine Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with 17 cross-sector partners. These partnerships have extended Wyakom’s reach and effectiveness, providing additional resources, expertise, and support for the projects developed through the platform. This collaborative approach has enabled Wyakom to operate efficiently and effectively, setting a high standard for organizational management in the government sector.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Wyakom’s approach to corporate social responsibility (CSR) is embedded in its mission to address critical social challenges through community involvement. The platform is designed to be inclusive, actively encouraging participation from a diverse cross-section of society, including youth, elderly, and underserved groups. Wyakom not only engages citizens but also aligns private sector CSR efforts with community priorities, making it a powerful tool for driving social impact.
Through its CSR-driven model, Wyakom has launched several impactful initiatives that address various aspects of community well-being. Projects such as Kashta Siyahiya (outdoor social events for elderly), Young Again (youth-led elderly engagement), and Al Liwan (a community-building initiative) have positively impacted social, financial, and emotional well-being in Abu Dhabi. These initiatives demonstrate Wyakom’s commitment to enhancing quality of life by aligning government resources with community-driven solutions.
Product Design & Development
Wyakom’s platform design is an exemplary model of user-centric innovation. Recognizing the need for a seamless, accessible experience, Wyakom’s team has developed an intuitive submission and evaluation system. The platform’s design emphasizes inclusivity and simplicity, allowing users to navigate easily, submit ideas, and receive feedback. This approach ensures that everyone—from tech-savvy youth to elderly residents—can actively participate in shaping Abu Dhabi’s social landscape.
Wyakom’s product development process is also adaptive and responsive to feedback, allowing it to continually improve and expand its offerings. For example, based on community feedback, Wyakom streamlined the submission process and added support resources, including guidance on proposal writing and evaluation criteria. These refinements enhance user engagement and ensure that the platform remains relevant to community needs.
Conclusion
Wyakom’s achievements in organizational management, CSR, and product design & development highlight its role as a catalyst for social innovation in Abu Dhabi. By creating a platform that empowers citizens, facilitates public-private partnerships, and drives meaningful social impact, Wyakom exemplifies excellence in government innovation. Recognizing Wyakom at the Stevie Awards would not only honor these achievements but also promote a model of governance that prioritizes community well-being, fosters sustainable partnerships, and leads by example in the global pursuit of social impact.
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Nomination Title: Innovative Achievements of Wyakom initiative
