Managing the "Fuzzy front end" of open digital service innovation in the public sector: A methodology. (April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tate, Mary; Bongiovanni, Ivano; Kowalkiewicz, Marek; Townson, Peter
• Is Part Of: International journal of information management. Volume 39(2018)
• Page Start: 186
• Page End: 198
• Publication Date: 2018-04
• Subjects: Digital innovation -- Public sector -- Fuzzy front end -- Methodology; Social sciences -- Information services -- Periodicals; Social sciences -- Research -- Periodicals; Information science -- Periodicals; Management information systems -- Periodicals; Knowledge management -- Periodicals; Sciences sociales -- Documentation, Services de -- Périodiques; Sciences sociales -- Recherche -- Périodiques; Sciences de l'information -- Périodiques; Systèmes d'information de gestion -- Périodiques; Information science; Management information systems; Social sciences -- Information services; Social sciences -- Research; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 025.52068
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2017.11.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0268-4012

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Present a theoretically grounded, practically tested, cost-effective methodology for public sector digital innovation. Address some of the well-recognized obstacles to public sector digital innovation. Focus on the "fuzzy front end" (FFE) of the innovation life cycle. Explain the importance of creating the context in which public sector innovation can occur, and the key enabling factors. Offer extensive resources for readers who would like to engage in public sector digital innovation, in the appendices. Abstract: There are many obstacles to effective open innovation in the public sector context, especially at the "fuzzy front end" (FFE), where the need or opportunity is known but serious resources have not yet been committed to possible solutions. In this paper, we report on a theoretically inspired and practically tested methodology for FFE public sector digital innovation. The methodology was purpose-built for the context and has been progressively refined using reflection-on-practice, but broadly consists of a hybrid of private sector open innovation practices, and agile software development processes. We outline the background, context, principles, stages and artefacts. Then we evaluate the method in terms of barriers and opportunities to FFE public sector innovation. We note that establishing the necessary context: a nurturing environment; cross-agency commitments in cash and in kind; and boundary spanning appointments, is as important to success as is the detailed execution of the method.