Conceptualizing an ethics framework for co-creation in the public sector

Purpose Co-creation is increasingly used in the public sector for the development of public policies and services. The purpose of this paper is to empirically establish a framework for ethical co-creation in the public sector. Design/methodology/approach A mixed-method approach was used to collect data and cross-analyse four pilots from a three-year EU-funded project. Findings The results from this study highlight the need for an ethics co-creation framework to be provided at the start of a project that can support the co-creation strategy, process and implementation of the outcome. Such an ethics framework must be flexible in order to address issues that vary according to public service, policy being developed and local context. Originality/value Current legal and ethical frameworks for the public sector do not cover all the activities in public sector co-creation. This work is original and important as the use of co-creation in the public sector becomes increasingly important.