Innovation in the Public Sector: A Systematic Review and Future Research Agenda

markdownabstract__Abstract__ This article consolidates the empirical state-of-the-art on academic research on public sector innovation. Done by the method of a systematic review of the literature (1990-2014), 158 articles and books are analysed, based on the themes of the 1) definition of innovation, 2) innovation types, 3) objectives, 4) influential factors to the innovation process (including the adoption and diffusion stage) and 5) outcomes. Results shows that most studies do not pay attention to the outcomes of the innovation process. Furthermore, more quantitative studies are welcome, given the qualitative dominance in the field. Based upon the systematic review, an overall empirical based model is presented regarding the potential influential factors, types and outcomes of innovation in the public sector. Directions for future research are proposed that address various methodological, theoretical and empirical gaps. Keywords: • Systematic review • Public sector innovation • Diffusion • Adoptio