New development: Eight and a half propositions to stimulate frugal innovation

Abstract

This article distills some key ideas and practices which research indicates can stimulate innovation in public services in thrifty ways. Some propositions may be surprising, given the conventional wisdom about innovation. The propositions are intended to provoke policy-makers, public managers and academics, challenging thinking and encouraging new approaches to innovation.

Keywords:

• Diffusion
• harvesting
• human energy
• innovation
• public services

Acknowledgement

Thanks to John Benington for discussions on human energy.