This book examines user and community co-production of public services and outcomes, currently one of the most discussed topics in the field of public management and policy. It considers co-production in a wide range of public services, with particular emphasis on health, social care and community safety, illustrated through international case studies in many of the chapters. This book draws on both quantitative and qualitative empirical research studies on co-production, and on theGovernance International database of more than 70 international co-production case studies, most of which have been republished by the OECD. Academically rigorous and systematically evidence-based, the book incorporates many insights which have arisen from the extensive range of research projects and executive training programmes in co-production undertaken by the author. Written in a style which is easy and enjoyable to read, the book gives readers, both academics and practitioners, the opportunityto develop a creative understanding of the essence and implications of co-production.                  

Elke Loeffler is Senior Lecturer at the University of Strathclyde, Scotland, and Director of the non-profit organisationGovernance International. She has undertaken research and training programmes for the European Commission, OECD, UNDP and many national governments and local authorities. She serves on the Editorial Boards of the International Review of Administrative Sciences and Public Money and Management.

Chapter 1. Why co-producing public services and public outcomes with citizens is timely.- Chapter 2. Distinguishing types and levels of co-production: Concepts and definitions.- Chapter 3. The Four Co's: Co-commissioning, co-design, co-delivery and co-assessment of public services and outcomes through traditional and digital mechanisms.- Chapter 4. Co-production in health, social care and public safety.- Chapter 5. Challenges to effective co-production of public services and outcomes.- Chapter 6. Evaluating co-production.- Chapter 7. The future of co-production: Policies, strategies and research needs.