Innovation in the Public and Nonprofit Sectors

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.

Author Biography

Patria de Lancer Julnes, PhD, is Director of the School of Public Affairs at Penn State-Harrisburg, USA.

Ed Gibson, PhD, is Associate Professor of Public Administration in the College of Public Affairs at the University of Baltimore, USA.