ABSTRACT
Advocates claim that in comparison to traditional models of service delivery, co-production can have many benefits for citizens. This chapter explores those claims, and focuses specifically on the potential empowerment effects of co-production for citizens. The basic argument is that when citizens play proactive roles through co-production, services become more closely aligned with their interests and needs. The process of exercising voice, control, and influence generates a sense of empowerment among citizens. The chapter begins with a brief discussion about co-production and its application at the individual, group, and collective levels. It then introduces a theory of empowerment and draw connections to each level of co-production. The chapter reviews the literature, concentrating on empirical studies that examine empowerment. A systematic literature review of co-production in healthcare suggests that the creation of empowering processes, for example through the establishment of multi-disciplinary healthcare teams and the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) can foster greater patient engagement.
