Innovation labs in the public sector: what they are and what they do?. Issue 10 (26th November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tõnurist, Piret; Kattel, Rainer; Lember, Veiko
• Is Part Of: Public management review. Volume 19:Issue 10(2017)
• Page Start: 1455
• Page End: 1479
• Publication Date: 2017-11-26
• Subjects: Innovation labs -- public sector -- organization theory -- experimentation; Local government -- Periodicals; Public administration -- Periodicals; 351.05
• DOI: 10.1080/14719037.2017.1287939
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1471-9037

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This article is a first comprehensive attempt to globally map and analyse innovation labs (i-labs) in the public sector. The article analyzes theoretical reasons why i-labs are created in the public sector and tests these assumptions in practice. During the empirical study, thirty-five such organizations all over the world were identified. The research is based on a two-step approach: first, a comprehensive survey was carried out followed by an extensive in-depth interview with the managing figures of i-labs; eleven i-labs responded. The article finds support for the assumptions of external complexity, technological challenges, emulation, and legitimization as reasons behind the creation of i-labs.