Making sense of the digital co-production of welfare services: using digital technology to simplify or tailor the co-production of services

Abstract

This paper offers a theoretical framework for digital co-production in public services and considers the benefits and limitations such services can have for citizens. Based on examples from the Norwegian Labour and Welfare administration, we argue that digital services are being developed in primarily four directions, depending on a choice of goal and strategy. The four types of services create value for citizens in different ways, but also have different limitations. The proposed framework, along with the examples given, provides important insight into the multiplicity and limitations of public sector digital services.