Public organizations are increasing their engagement with innovation as they respond to the imminent environmental social and economic challenges. These responses are often achieved by replicating ideas and processes from the private sector without adapting them to the unique specificities and characteristics of the public sector. 

In our work we observed how this translation (private to public sector innovation) is not easy to accomplish however, it is important in terms of creating a grounded understanding of innovation that can be shared among public organizations as well as with external actors, politicians and citizens.

In this short booklet, we provide some suggestions for how to reflect on public sector innovation. We mostly highligh the differences with private sector innovation and touch upon the role of innovation labs and leadership for public sector innovation. 

The aim of this booklet is to provide inspiration and starting points for discussions rather than definitive answers. 

We ourselves are also on this journey to better understand this question and welcome any comments and/or suggestions on this material. Please feel free to reach out to us!