Innovative trends in public governance in Asia

In: Innovation and the public sector, v. 16

Abstract

Public governance is one of the most important topics in public administration and political science worldwide. It is of special importance to many Asian countries struggling with governance issues related to environmental concerns, democracy, service delivery and economic growth. The purpose of these innovations is to bring about radical governance improvements, promote citizen participation and utilize private sector organizations in the provision of public services. Innovativeness in Asian countries seems to be heavily constrained by unique historical developments, cultural features, developmentalism and authoritarianism. The potential for innovation in public governance is huge, but it is unlikely that this can be fully harnessed before a resolute attempt to develop good and democratic governance and to support local creativity. This publication provides a contextual and realistic view of the preconditions for successful innovations in public governance. Special attention is paid to the conditions in which innovations are created and implemented. Geographically, the cases presented in this book cover such countries as Japan, China, South Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. In-depth analyses show that societal conditions, regime formations, ideologies and managerial doctrines condition innovation activities and affect their outcomes and sustainability. Governance innovations thus reflect the changing nature of the public sector and its connections to its increasingly complex and tensional environment. The chapters of this book are written by academics and experts with special knowledge of governance in Asia. As a result of their collaboration, the book provides a unique compilation of real-life cases on governance innovations in Asia with the addition of theoretical considerations. As such it is of value not only to academics and students, but also to developers, public managers and politicians in their efforts to create and implement innovations in public governance.