Investigating Effects of Co-creation on Outcomes of Public Service Innovation – A Comparative Analysis at the National and Local Government Level in Norway

Abstract

Co-creation in public service innovation is a prominent research field, but few have empirically investigated its effect on the outcomes of innovation. This paper contributes with empirical-based knowledge on the effect of participatory user involvement and other user-oriented methods on public innovation outcomes in different contexts. By employing qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) based on a survey of innovation activities of Norwegian public administration agencies, this article identifies several configurations for local and national authorities that lead to successful service innovations. The main finding suggests a positive relationship between user input and positive effects on service outcomes. However, local and national government levels differ regarding the use of input factors and methods of user involvement. The study contributes to our understanding of the effect of co-creation in different contexts and provides insights into when and how co-creation with users is a useful tool in public service innovation.

Open Government Policy Making by Popular Voting: Comparing Canada and New Zealand

“…In one instance, a qualitative comparative analysis of digital platforms in France, Italy, and the United Kingdom showed that e-voting at collaborative platforms in the United Kingdom encompassed the ability to vote online to choose among different proposals and reach a common decision and also an online consultation based on questionnaires and closed answer forms and e-petitions (De Blasio & Selva, 2019). A qualitative comparative analysis of a survey of innovation activities of Norwegian public administration agencies identified a positive relationship between user input and service outcomes (Gesierich, 2023). These studies reveal that voters and authorities consider the potential association of their online deliberation and voting with open government policies.…”