Co-Production and Citizen Participation in Public Services

Abstract

The purpose of this panel will be to further our understanding of one particular form of interactive governance, namely co-production. Co-production is based on a combination of citizen/user inputs together with those of professional staff. It transforms the relationship between service users and providers, ensuring greater user influence. European countries have developed a variety of approaches to involving citizens and users in public services, ranging from simple interactions in the delivery process to more active consultation in decision-making. However, co-production represents a step beyond public consultation, it refers to a more in-depth and systematic participation of citizens and users in public services, where they are not only consulted but also help to create services. Co-production takes place in different stages of the policy process, from planning through delivery and review. Patterns of citizen/user participation differ for different services, with most involvement in the delivery stage of personal services, and more monitoring and review in regulatory services. However, most changes from co-production can be described as incremental, involving additions and modifications to existing services, rather than radical transformations that substitute the professional staff (OECD, 2011). This panel would like to address these issues conceptually and on the basis of empirical studies, through papers that focus on the role of users and citizens in the planning, delivery and governance of public services. We will particularly welcome papers that critically explore the relationship between co-production and: • empowerment and inclusion of different groups; • innovation in service processes and democratic decision-making; • accountability of public service planners and providers; • cost-effectiveness in public services; • unintended effects on stakeholders and service outcomes.

Title	Details
Influences on Collective Coproduction of Public Services: Which Citizens Most Participate in Complex Governance Mechanisms?	View Paper Details
Motivation, Trust and Control Beliefs Among Clients of Activation Programmes	View Paper Details
How do Government Initiatives Affect Citizen Coproduction?	View Paper Details
Co-Production and the Challenges of Marginalised Clients’ Inclusion	View Paper Details
Co-Production and the Sustainability of Third Sector Welfare Services	View Paper Details