Apolitical (platform)

Apolitical (platform). Apolitical is a global social network service and learning platform designed exclusively for public servants and government officials. Its mission is to support better governance by facilitating peer-to-peer knowledge exchange, providing policy insights, and offering professional development courses. The platform operates on an invitation-only or verified professional basis, connecting members across different levels of government and international organizations.

Overview

Apolitical functions as a specialized digital community for professionals engaged in public policy and public administration. The platform aims to accelerate effective governance by enabling its members to share solutions to common challenges, discover innovative approaches from other jurisdictions, and access curated content. Its user base spans civil servants, elected officials, and staff from entities like the United Nations and the World Bank. By focusing on practical, non-partisan knowledge, Apolitical seeks to bridge gaps between different branches and levels of government, from local government to federal government agencies.

History and development

The platform was co-founded in 2015 by Lisa Witter and Robyn Scott, launching initially in the United Kingdom. Early development was supported by seed funding from investors including the European Commission and the Omidyar Network. A significant milestone was its selection for the Google-sponsored Founders Forum tech accelerator. The company is headquartered in London, with team members distributed globally. Subsequent growth phases involved expanding its network to key markets like the United States, Canada, and Australia, and forming partnerships with institutions such as the Harvard Kennedy School and the World Economic Forum.

Features and functionality

Core features of the platform include a member directory facilitating connections between officials in similar roles across different cities or countries. It offers a content hub with articles, case studies, and policy briefs often sourced from organizations like the OECD or the Brookings Institution. The integrated learning platform provides courses developed with partners like the University of Oxford on topics such as digital transformation and climate change mitigation. Members can join private groups focused on specific sectors or participate in virtual events featuring experts from bodies like the International Monetary Fund or the World Health Organization.

Business model and funding

Apolitical primarily operates on a SaaS subscription model, where government departments or public sector organizations purchase group licenses for their employees. It has also secured venture capital funding from firms like Passion Capital and Blue Haven Ventures. Additional revenue streams include sponsored content and custom research partnerships with multilateral institutions such as the United Nations Development Programme. The platform has participated in grant-funded projects with the German Corporation for International Cooperation to develop specific training modules for public servants in emerging economies.

Impact and reception

The platform has been recognized by entities like the World Government Summit and the Fast Company magazine for its innovation in the GovTech sector. It has facilitated knowledge-sharing on pressing global issues, enabling officials from New York City to exchange strategies with peers in São Paulo or Singapore. Critiques have occasionally centered on the challenge of maintaining truly neutral content in politically charged environments. Nonetheless, its network effects are cited in case studies from the Centre for Public Impact and has been endorsed by prominent figures such as former Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern for fostering international collaboration among civil services.

Category:Social networking services Category:Educational technology companies Category:Public administration