Innovation and Culture in Public Services

The authors have raised an important construct for all of us who work in the public sector regarding what underlies and directs the rapid advancement of technology solutions in developing and developed economies. . . DeMello and Furseth deserve credit for raising our awareness to the true driver behind the successful integration and acceptance of technology in this increasingly innovation-driven world: culture.' - from the Foreword, David A. Lindeman, Director CITRIS Health, University of California, Berkeley, Director, Center for Technology and Aging, US There is a growing trend toward innovation in public services, and the integration of public and private entities in their delivery. This book aims to improve the ability to innovate successfully in large-scale public/private endeavors. The authors develop an underpinning theory of innovation, and extend it to address key issues in public/private collaboration. As an example, they explore the subject of independent living for seniors and persons with disabilities across four countries - the US, UK, Norway and Japan. The resulting model provides a vehicle for all major stakeholders to better understand the dynamics of innovation, which will in turn offer the opportunity to improve performance and successful adoption. This book will provide useful insight for students of innovation, public service planning and delivery, and health and social services. In addition, the original opinion research on residents of the four countries will prove interesting for students of sociology and medical anthropology.