Knowledge for Free? Distributed Innovation as a Source of Learning

Abstract

Distributed Innovation is an emerging framework for a novel method of new product/service development, where knowledge from within and outside the organisation is shared in an evolutionary dialogue, which consistently produces high quality results. Literature on open source software development and new product development involving ‘lead users’, are the main contributors to the discussion about the creative potential locked within service users. There is a growing thread of literature which seems to apply the underlying principles of Distributed Innovation in the public sector; this article looks at the process of learning from users in this paradigm. It aims to critically evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of Distributed Innovation within the public sector generally and local government specifically. When considering the great innovative potential held by service users, the ultimate goal of thisarticle is to answer two questions: can Distributed Innovation provide a source of learning: if so, is this knowledge for free?

Drivers and barriers to innovation in the Australian public service: A qualitative thematic analysis

“…The public sector must implement innovation to respond to the rising expectations of citizens as they compare public services with the improvements in service delivery accomplished by the private sector (Altshuler & Behn, 2010). Thus, citizens demand not only high quality and more usercentric services from the government but also services designed and often delivered in collaboration with citizens and community sector partners (Bowden, 2005). As highlighted by the Director General of IP Australia: "Citizen expectations of public service quality have risen while at the same time there is an increasing pressure on public budgets for greater efficiency, productivity, and cost reductions.…”

Determinanty innowacji w sektorze publicznym na przykładzie Polski

“…Te zewnętrzne wynikają z potrzeby odpowiedzi na niezadowolenie społeczne związane z niewystarczającą jakością usług świadczonych na rzecz społeczeństwa lub z potrzebą wprowadzania instrumentów, które stymulowałyby zrównoważony rozwój (Glor, 2001, Bowden, 2005. Czynniki te uzupełniane są przez motywacje wewnętrzne, przede wszystkim związane z procesami uczenia się w organizacjach.…”

The Beginning of Self-Reflection

“…In fact, Polanyi was a pioneer in bringing into focus the concept of intellectuals as a "scientific community" (Lowenberg & Yu, 1992). Some of the ideas from Polanyi's model have made their way into organization research in the areas of knowledgeintensive organizations, "post-bureaucratic" organizational practices, and distributed innovation (e.g., Bowden, 2005;Grey & Sturdy, 2009, 2010.…”