ABSTRACT
In the organizational context, the word "innovation" is often associated with private sector organizations, which are often perceived as more agile, adaptable, and able to withstand change than government agencies and nonprofit organizations. But the reality is that, while they may struggle, public and nonprofit organizations do innovate. These organizations must find ways to use shrinking resources effectively, improve their performance, and achieve desirable societal outcomes. Innovation in the Public Sector provides alternative frameworks for defining, categorizing, and studying innovation in government and in the nonprofit sector.
Through a diverse collection of international case studies, this book broadens the discussion of innovation in public and nonprofit organizations, demonstrating the hurdles organizations face and examining the technological advances and managerial ingenuity innovators use to achieve their goals, both within and beyond the boundaries of the innovating organization. The chapters shed light on key issues including:
- how to conceptualize innovation;
- how organizations decide between competing good ideas;
- how to implement innovation;
- how to contend with challenges to innovation;
- how to judge success in innovation
This book provides current and future public managers with the understanding and skills required to manage change and innovation, and is essential reading for all those studying public management, public administration, and public policy.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
part I|32 pages
The State and Study of Public and Nonprofit Sector Innovations
part II|132 pages
Case Studies of Innovations in the Public Sector
chapter 4|18 pages
Innovating from the Center in a Decentralized Agency
chapter 6|19 pages
Barriers to Data Sharing for Inclusive Knowledge Management
chapter 9|18 pages
Improving Citizen Satisfaction with Local Government Using 311 Systems
part III|78 pages
Case Studies of Innovations in the Nonprofit Sector
chapter 10|20 pages
Chelsea's CONNECT
chapter 13|19 pages
Intermediaries of Innovation in Community Colleges
part IV|18 pages
The Future of Innovation—An Integrative Approach