Beyond Singularity and Fragmentation: A Dynamic and Integrative Model for Explaining Public Sector Innovation

ABSTRACT Public sector innovation (PSI) is crucial for improving the quality and effectiveness of public services. Existing studies related to PSI influencing factors are fragmented and mostly focused on a certain stage, such as the adoption or implementation stage. However, PSI is a dynamic process influenced by different types of factors at different stages. As such, this paper constructs a framework integrating the MSF and TOE frameworks to explain PSI, and then tests it through an in‐depth case study of City J in China. The findings reveal that the antecedents of PSI evolve as innovation progresses. We further discuss the connections or interactions among these antecedents. The managerial implication of this study is to shed light on the dynamic and systematic nature of PSI, guiding practitioners in strategically allocating resources across different innovation stages.