Collaboration and Modernisation

Abstract

The collaborative agenda has emerged as a major theme in contemporary public sector activity in the UK and internationally. It is stimulated — indeed even directed — by national and supra-national government initiatives and funding regimes, but also arises spontaneously as local public bodies look for ways to deliver their policy objectives and meet the needs of their communities and users. It is a consequence of the renewal of public services in the post-market era and a reaffirmation of their primary role in serving communities. Inter-agency working has now penetrated into the modus operandi of public service professionals and managers. Networking, building alliances and putting together co-operative projects are expected behaviours of the modernised public manager. The promise of collaborative endeavour is also recognised by those outside the public sector — the private companies, voluntary organisations and community groups that have an interest in shaping or benefiting from public policy.