A Case Study of Cross-Organizational Co-Design with Public Bodies: Opportunities for a Collaborative Platform

Abstract

Based on literature on cross-organizational collaboration and on empirical evidence, this paper provides insights on the perceived barriers that large public bodies encounter when launching and managing co-design processes and on how ICT might help to address these issues. We analyzed the case study of a heterogeneous network composed of multiple departments within an Italian central public body and of several related external stakeholders during the ideation stage of a complex strategic planning software. The preliminary findings shed light on the opportunities for digital platforms to enable cross-organizational collaboration and creation practices within Public Administrations. Impact areas are related to building capacity in co-design, to managing the complex dynamics of stakeholder engagement hindered by the pyramidal structure of public bodies, and to clarifying roles and responsibilities, favoring internal communications and handovers.