Effect of knowledge search depth, user co-creation and moderating factors on the outcomes of service innovations by European public sector organizations

This study uses econometric methods and survey data for 2,137 European public sector organizations to examine the effects of deeply engaging with external knowledge sources and user co-creation on service innovation outcomes. Drawing on innovation support and constraint theories, we find that the effects of engaging with external knowledge sources and co-creating with users is moderated by innovation support practices, the percentage of employees involved in innovation activities, and constraints. These findings have important implications for the innovation activities of public sector organizations.