engleski

Innovation as a Catalyst of the Contemporary Public Sector Strategic Positioning

Innovation plays crucial role in the private business sector, but its penetration into the public sector has only recently been clearly identified, articulated and applied. For conceptual reasons, the process of creating and diffusing innovation in the private sector differs from the public one, particularly when observed from the position of their inherent raison d'etre. Differentiation is primarily determined by a specific cultural framework that dominates in these two ‘worlds’. Besides, the implemented typology of innovation in support of strategic goals by its intensity and scope in these two sectors differs as well. Contemporary strategic positioning in the public sector has recognized the importance of creation and introduction of innovative services (or products) in providing improved quality civil service and increasing the efficiency of the public sector operations. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to explore the theoretical background of the innovation process in the public sector with special focus on implementing conditions in the transition economy country, specifically the Republic of Croatia. For the purpose of responding the paper’s leading research question, an empirical research based on a qualitative combined methodology targeting relevant public sector representatives has been created and conducted. The results are showing that the innovation intensity and scope in examined national public sector is significantly lagging behind the developed countries. However, currently ongoing innovation initiatives and activities, along with these in preparation/pipeline, in some organizations may indicate that the country is heading in the right direction, but their dynamics and scope is still questionable. Findings will undoubtedly contribute to a better understanding of the Public Sector Innovation within the examined national and even regional context.

innovation ; public sector ; strategic positioning

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