Work

How Were Governance Pathways Formed for Public Service Co‐Production? A Contingency Perspective

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT This study addresses the under‐theorized formation of specific co‐production arrangements by exploring governance pathway formation. Using 76 community regeneration projects in Shanghai, we identify a parsimonious two‐level typology: State‐led co‐production (comprising sub‐type A: state as operator and sub‐type B: non‐state as operator ) and Citizen‐led co‐production (comprising sub‐type C: volunteers as operator and sub‐type D: users as operator ). Findings reveal pathway emergence is contingent upon configurations of providers' capabilities, citizen empowerment, political leadership, and public service characteristics, reflecting logics associated with Neo‐Weberian State, New Public Management, and New Public Governance paradigms. The study shifts focus from static lists to dynamic governance pathways by proposing a configurational contingency framework that explains how governance logics are activated by specific contextual conditions.

Source: Public Administration

DOI: 10.1111/padm.70089

Authors: Huanming Wang, Bing Ran

Institutions: Dalian University of Technology, Pennsylvania State University

Language: English

Topic: Public Policy and Administration Research

Subfield: Public Administration

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,950