This book examines the various ways in which co-production can contribute to the creation
design and delivery of public services namely by engaging the expertise of users and their
networks by promoting public services that are better targeted and more responsive to users
by cutting costs against the background of austerity in public finance by creating a synergy
between government and civil society that will impact positively on social capital and by
addressing the challenges resulting from growing democratic and citizenship deficits.
Particular attention is paid to local government and the health and social care sector. After
definition of the concept of co-production the critical issues which arise when public
services are co-produced are discussed. Various experiences of co-production are presented and
analyzed with a view to highlighting why how and with what effect public service
co-production may be implemented. Individual chapters focus on the impact of co-production in
making cities smarter and the use of ICT in supporting co-production of public services. The
book will be of relevance to a wide readership from students to academics and professionals
interested or engaged in public service management.
