Public values? A systematic literature review into the outcomes of public service co-creation

Co-creation is viewed as a promising way to realize public values. Reviewing 88 items following the PRISMA-protocol we confirm that public service co-creation realizes public values in terms of better services and democratic quality of governance, not necessarily in terms of better relations between citizens and government. We find some preliminary evidence that co-creation might not lead to the same outcomes across different policy domains. Professional facilitation is of uttermost importance given the demanding nature of co-creation to attain positive outcomes, especially when working with vulnerable groups. We offer a conceptual framework to research public service co-creation conditions and outcomes.