Factors affecting public sector innovation during COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh: an analysis on three cases

ABSTRACT

Public sector innovation during pandemic is of much importance as this helps to mitigate unprecedented situations that arise as outcomes of the pandemic. The innovation and associated process are characterized by a number of factors which may vary from country to country. Exploring country-specific innovative practices during a pandemic and analyzing the factors that characterize those innovations are important especially in cases where acute shortage of literature prevails. This study, therefore, presented three sample cases on public sector innovation in Bangladesh and analyzed what factors might lead to those innovations. The paper shows that a number of environmental, organizational, individual factors coupled with the innovation attributes contributed to the innovative practices that public sector initiated to provide public services during the pandemic. Suggestions for further research are provided in line with the limitations that the study contains.

KEYWORDS:

• Public sector innovation
• factors
• COVID-19
• pandemic
• Bangladesh

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Ms. Shamim Ara Nipa, Senior Assistant Secretary, Cabinet Division, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and former UNO of Kalihati,Tangail; Mr. Abdullah Al Jubair and Mr. Shahadat Hossain from the a2i project of the Government of Bangladesh for helping with data and information.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Notes on contributors

Md. Zobayer Hossain

Md. Zobayer Hossain is an Assistant Professor of Development Studies in Khulna University. His research interest focuses on state and non-state actors, their affairs and issues that shape the facade of development. He collaborates on issues of public health, governance in developing countries, public opinion, and public policy.

Tasnuva Yasmin is currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the Development Studies Discipline in Khulna University. She received a bachelor degree from the Department of Development Studies, University of Dhaka. She also received her master degree from the same Department with specialization on Public Policy. Her research interest includes diverse subject materials under the broader academic field of governance and public policy. Her current research is focused on PSM (Public Service Motivation) and developing a framework to strengthen democratic governance in Bangladesh.