About the Book
This timely book examines the function, efficacy, and emerging challenges of using digital co-production in public administrations as digital tools become increasingly prevalent in society.
Contributors highlight several opportunities presented by the increased use of digital co-production, such as reducing information asymmetry, improving co-design, making participation more inclusive, and enhancing scalability. They also draw attention to various risks, from the potential reduction of physical interaction to the rejection of responsibility and reinforced inequalities. Chapters explore the challenges and contradictions of digital co-production as a distinct mode of interaction between public services and citizens. Synthesising key insights, the book ultimately recommends ways in which digital co-production can be managed most effectively by discussing a range of tools and methods, including artificial intelligence, behavioural nudging and digital platforms.
This book is a valuable resource for scholars and students in the fields of public administration and management studies. Practitioners, especially those in public administrations experimenting with digital participation, will also greatly benefit from this book.
Table of Contents:
Contents
1 Digital co-production of public services: an introduction 1
Taco Brandsen, Ina Radtke, A. Paula Rodriguez Müller and
Trui Steen
PART I FOUNDATIONS OF DIGITAL CO-PRODUCTION
2 The challenges and contradictions of digital co-production 10
Veiko Lember
3 Mapping pre-conditions for (sustained) participation in digital
co-production 24
Laurien Coenen
PART II EMERGING TRENDS IN DIGITAL CO-PRODUCTION
4 Artificial intelligence for co-production: existing solutions
and research directions 48
Nicolas Bono Rossello, Anthony Simonofski and
Annick Castiaux
5 Co-production and nudging in the digital era: enhancement of
public services? 78
Maddalena Sorrentino and Laura Iacovone
PART III PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS AND CHALLENGES
IN THE LIFECYCLE OF DIGITAL CO-PRODUCTION
6 How can digital co-design be carried out? A summary of the
tools and interactions between service users, designers, and
public servants in digital co-design 102
Nathalie Haug
7 A blended social interaction and learning framework for the
use of digital tools in co-production 118
Daniel Masterson and Marlene Ockander
8 Digital co-assessment of public services and policies: a step
forward or a trade-off too far? 136
A. Paula Rodriguez Müller
9 Critical decisions in keeping stakeholders engaged: a process
perspective on digital collaborative platforms 157
Ina Radtke and Taco Brandsen
10 Practical recommendations 175
Taco Brandsen, Ina Radtke, A. Paula Rodriguez Müller and
Trui Steen
About the Author :
Edited by Taco Brandsen, Professor of Public Administration, Institute for Management Research, Radboud University, the Netherlands, Ina Radtke, Assistant Professor, Institute for Management Research, Radboud University, the Netherlands, A. Paula Rodriguez Müller, Researcher and Scientific Officer, Joint Research Centre, European Commission, Spain and Trui Steen, Professor of Public Governance and Coproduction of Public Services, Public Governance Institute, KU Leuven, Belgium
Review :
‘This volume explores various aspects of digital co-production, its backgrounds and challenges, application of emerging technologies, critical aspects in the phase of practical application, opportunities and risks. The authors explore not only positive aspects of digital co-production, such as improving co-design, making co-production more inclusive through deducing information asymmetry and contributing to transparency, but also some of its negative consequences, such as failing accountability and rejection of responsibility, escalation of transaction costs, reinforced inequalities, erosion of democracy, and co-destruction of public value. The volume also hints at possible directions for future research in the field of digital co-production. The topic of digital co-production is rather new, while co-production has already been an established area of research for a while. Since the advancement of innovative technologies has been so fast, research on digital co-production holds enormous potentials as well as limitations, mostly due to the available technology, but also because of the capacities of the people in charge of adopting and understanding those technologies. Thus, the volume marks an impressive starting point of this kind of research.’
‘An insightful and timely exploration of digital co-production in the public sector, this book provides a comprehensive framework for understanding how technology can transform the way governments engage with citizens. Through practical examples and in-depth analysis, it highlights the power of collaboration between public institutions and the people they serve. A must-read for policymakers, scholars, practitioners, and anyone passionate about the future of public service delivery.’
‘Digital co-production has become an important process innovation to include stakeholders throughout all the co-production phases - not just at the value-in-use phase. Understanding how digital co-production works and how public administrations can implement its practices is an essential cornerstone of a resilient democracy. This book provides key insights for both practitioners and academics to implement digital co-production in the public sector.’
‘This is an essential read for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and public service innovation. The book takes readers on a journey to understand how digital co-production can shape the future of citizen engagement and public service delivery. The book delves into integrating digital technologies in co-production processes, comprehensively exploring its potential and challenges. It covers theoretical frameworks and empirical findings and sheds light on this evolving approach to public service, looking deep into the complexities, opportunities, and risks.’
