6 - Why Public Sector Innovation?

Summary

This chapter discusses the rationale or “why” of public sector innovation. Understanding the “why” question is vital because, without a purpose, innovations may not be successful or not worth trying. Innovations benefit nations, organizations, and employees differently, so understanding rationales for innovation is vital. This chapter provides information about rationales for innovation while summarizing the historical background and different levels of analysis. For example, innovations at the national level can increase national competitiveness, job creation, social wellbeing, economic development, and growth. Innovations in public organizations can increase the quality of public services and citizen satisfaction with these services. Innovations at the organizational level can increase employee creativity and performance. This chapter provides compelling stories about how and why public organizations must innovate.