ICT-driven innovation and the culture of public administration: A contradiction in terms?

In this paper the relation between ICT-innovations and the culture of public administration is explored. Recent research shows that, regarding these kinds of innovations, there often is a one-sided focus on efficiency and customer orientation and a dominant belief in ICT as a neutral instrument in the hands of government. One of the consequences is an underestimation of the role of organizational culture when it comes to ICT-driven innovations. If we look at the conditions for innovations in literature, we can conclude that for most public organizations it is hard, if not impossible, to meet them. Many barriers can be identified that hinder innovation in practice. Often these barriers have to do with the specific bureaucratic culture of government organizations. But times are changing. The role of government shifts from hierarchical, top down steering and self-producing to facilitating and being a coproductive and problem-oriented partner in the networks of today’s society. This also brings about a need for a more innovative climate within the public sector. Besides looking differently at things (people, organization and implementation), it is also needed to really accept the consequences of the shift from policy to problem orientation. Different possibilities are explored that might contribute to establish a more innovative culture within public administration. These range from instruments for stimulating creativity in organizations, to changing the innovation paradigm within government. Central in the ‘new’ paradigm is the idea that a more collaborative way of innovating is needed. Not just within government but also between the public and private sector. Although the idea seems promising, it should be realized that the shift in innovation paradigm within government will of course not be an easy one. Many practical and more fundamental issues need to be addressed. Therefore, the paper concludes with describing the contours of an alternative innovation strategy that can be used by government organizations as a first step on their way to change their innovation paradigm.