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Digital platforms for the co-creation of public value

Authors:
Albert MeijerUtrecht University School of Governance, The Netherlands

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Wouter BoonCopernicus Institute Utrecht University, The Netherlands

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Article Category:
Research Article
Copyright:
© Policy Press 2021
Online Publication Date:
25 Feb 2021
Pages:
231–248
Publisher:
Policy Press
Volume/Issue:
Volume 49: Issue 2
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1332/030557321X16115951032181
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This article provides a theoretical understanding of the potential contribution of digital platforms to the co-creation of public value. On the basis of insights from different academic disciplines, a layered model is developed for the relations between technology, governance, users and societal outcomes. The theoretical model proposes that these layers can result in basic configurations – consistent combinations of the four elements – but also hybrid configurations. We identify three basic configurations: (1) a closed platform controlled by a private sector organisation, (2) an open platform controlled by a government organisation and (3) an open platform run by a civil society organisation. The configurations are illustrated with examples of digital platforms from all over the world. The configurational understanding of digital platforms for the co-creation of public value provides the basis for a systematic analysis of these rapidly growing practices in countries around the world.

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Albert MeijerUtrecht University School of Governance, The Netherlands

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Wouter BoonCopernicus Institute Utrecht University, The Netherlands

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a.j.meijer@uu.nl
w.p.c.boon@uu.nl

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