2: From Public Value to Public Value Co-Creation

This chapter provides a conceptual backdrop to the book describing the origins of public value theory and its evolution towards a multi-actor theory of public value co-creation. It places the theory within the public governance paradigm which is characterized by a collaborative logic underpinning the pursuit of public value. The chapter defines cross-sectoral partnerships and network management as some of the key operational constructs to implement public value co-creation. It also focuses briefly on the role of collaborative innovation as the practices aimed at co-creating new products/services and/or solutions through collaboration. Finally, it discusses the role of public value co-creation in turbulent times.