Co-Production: A Different Approach to Public Sector Efficiency

Abstract

(From pp. 2-3):

"In this first of a series of occasional reports on cutback management in government, we detail the potential advantages and difficulties in implementing co-production for government functions.

"Section (2) of the report describes co-production and gives examples of its use in local governments in Canada and abroad. The economic theory of co-production is relegated to an Appendix note, as are a bibliography and the methodology used in this study, for those readers who wish to pursue a more in-depth analysis.

"Section (3) provides evidence on the potential savings and cost-effectiveness from co-production, with data drawn from its current use in the Hamilton-Wentworth area.

"Section (4) discusses the key requirements for any successful introduction of co-production into service provisions by local governments. And it discusses the difficulties of implementation.

"Section (5) offers concluding remarks and summarizes the thrust of this report for government and for the informed layman."