Designing Public Policy for Co-production: Theory, Practice and Change

Description

This important book is a response to crises of public policy. Offering an original contribution to a growing debate, the authors argue that traditional technocratic ways of designing policy are inadequate to cope with increasingly complex challenges, and suggest co-production as a more democratic alternative. Drawing on 12 compelling international contributions from practitioners, policy makers, activists and actively engaged academics, ideas of policy design are used to explore how complementary expertise from those outside the elite can shape policy for the better. The authors present insights on why and how to generate change in policy processes, arguing for increased experimentation in policy design. The book will be a valuable resource for researchers and students in public policy, public administration, sociology and politics.

Catherine Durose is senior lecturer in the Institute of Local Government Studies (INLOGOV) at the University of Birmingham, UK. Her work analyses the practices and politics of relationships between the state, communities and citizens. Liz Richardson is senior lecturer in politics at the University of Manchester, UK. Her work is dedicated to experimenting with how academics, practitioners and citizens can develop more democratic and participatory ways of doing politics.

"An important contribution at the forefront of debates about the future of public policy and public services. The authors have assembled an impressive range of contributors and skilfully drawn together a narrative that convincingly integrates theory and practice" Janet Newman, The Open University "This accessible text on co-production is long overdue. It draws together academic, policy and practice insights to advance knowledge and thinking in relation to participatory policy making and research." Lisa Goodson, University of Birmingham "An excellent analysis of the policy process, why it doesn't work and how it can work. With a focus on design principles, it brings together a strong cast of contributors from the academic, policy and practice worlds to show what an intelligent approach to co-production really means. Essential reading." Marilyn Taylor, Institute for Voluntary Action Research and University of the West of England