ABSTRACT
In some circles the notion of public sector innovation is considered an oxymoron. In neo-liberal narratives, for example, the public sector is invariably portrayed as a drag on innovation and economic development, in contrast to the private sector, which is assumed to be the quintessential source of creativity and value-adding activity. This stereotype has been challenged by more recent accounts, where the state is shown to have fostered rather than frustrated innovation and development (Mazzucato, 2013).
