Innovation Capabilities in the Public Sector: A Systematic Literature Review
Abstract
Objective: This review analyzes how innovation capabilities in the public sector have been studied, with a focus on conceptual definitions, measurement methods, and directions for future research.
Design/Methodology: A qualitative, descriptive approach was adopted. Specifically, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method, 56 relevant documents were identified and thoroughly examined.
Findings: A lack of consensus on how innovation capabilities are measured hinders the development of unified variables that could inform the design of diagnostic tools and the implementation of strategies aimed at improving innovation processes. Also, existing measurement scales tend to rely on metrics derived from the private sector, which underscores the importance of adapting them to the dynamics of the public sector. Finally, the proposed research agenda points to four key areas for further exploration: crises and innovation capabilities, collective intelligence and innovation capabilities, emerging technologies and innovation capabilities in the public sector, and innovation and innovation capabilities.
Conclusions: While innovation capabilities have been widely explored in private-sector contexts, there is still a pressing need for qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method studies to support the development of a clear taxonomy within the public sector. This is particularly important given the distinct characteristics of public organizations, which differ significantly from those of their private counterparts.
Originality: This study contributes to ongoing discussions on innovation capabilities in the public sector by emphasizing the importance of research that considers the contexts of emerging countries, acknowledges the sector’s particularities, and advances the development of a unified model to guide future academic and empirical efforts.
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