Collaborative service innovation: A quantitative analysis of innovation networks in a multisectoral setting

Abstract

Partial least squares structural equation modelling has proven very valuable to study the unexplored and complex public service innovation networks (PSINs) in the public sector, from a socio-economic stance. Web have modelled PSINs’ three structural variables—Social, Actors, and Functioning mode—using a sample of original data (n = 233). Our PSINs’ model confirms them as instruments that produce public service innovation—involving technological and nontechnological characteristics. Additionally, we set-up a novel and potentially fruitful methodology to study the intricate formation and impact of complex socio-economical structures that connect innovation and public services. Hence, our research supports a better and extended use of PSINs as a tool for policy and service co-design and co-implementation. And we open a promising line of studies involving multi-actor collaboration in the public sector.