Case Study: Embassy of India Dublin – Diaspora Ideation Workshop Using LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® method

Context
The Embassy of India in Dublin invited members of the Indian diaspora—students, founders, working professionals to discuss practical ways they could strengthen Ireland–India ties. Blocks to Unblock Studio was asked to design and facilitate a hands-on ideation workshop using the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® (LSP) methodology.

Objective
Identify concrete opportunities where the Indian community in Ireland can collaborate and contribute to India’s development through skills, networks, and initiatives.

Workshop Approach
Using the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® methodology, participants built individual models to express:

Overview:
• Attended by 25 Indian diaspora members in Dublin
• Early-stage founders, entrepreneurs and Masters students
• Hosted at Embassy of India Dublin

Workshop Approach
Using the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® methodology, participants built individual models to express:

The value they individually bring to the diaspora
Opportunities they see for strengthening India–Ireland ties
Practical ways to collaborate as a community

Then the builds led to reflection, shared storytelling, and identifying overlaps across ideas.

Key Themes Emerged
Across the builds and discussions, several clear themes came through repeatedly:

• Skill exchange: offering domain knowledge, mentoring, and practical guidance to students and new arrivals
• Career pathways: bridging Irish industry opportunities with talent, capability and ambition back home
• Innovation corridor: connecting startup ecosystems, incubators, accelerators, and investors across regions
• Cultural presence: strengthening cultural programming and shared heritage initiatives to deepen community bonds
• Collective representation: building a more visible, structured diaspora forum, particularly in sectors like healthcare, finance, and technology
• Academic collaboration: encouraging joint research, faculty exchange, and cross-university partnerships
• Social integration support: helping newcomers navigate housing, documentation, orientation, and wellbeing
• Youth leadership development: creating platforms for young diaspora members to learn, lead, and contribute
• Professional networking platforms: regular events to connect talent, employers, founders, and advisors

Outcomes
By the end of the session, the group aligned on a set of practical next steps:

Establish a student–industry mentoring circle
Create a community talent and expertise directory
Identify Ireland–India collaboration opportunities in health, fintech, and IT
Plan quarterly diaspora meet-ups hosted at rotating venues
Create a shared communication channel for coordination

Acknowledgements
• H.E. Ambassador Akhilesh Mishra Ji – for supporting the session
• Embassy of India Dublin – for hosting and guidance
• Team Empeal Health – for sponsorship and operational support