Contextual aspects of innovations in public governance in Asia

In this book we discuss innovations in public governance in Asian countries. Our approach is contextual, innovations being discussed in their societal, political and administrative contexts with a special focus on both conditions for innovativeness and innovations actually introduced in various Asian countries. The purpose of these innovations is to bring about radical governance improvements, promote citizen participation and utilize private sector organizations in the provision of public services. Innovativeness in Asian countries seems to be heavily constrained by unique historical developments, diverse cultural features, developmental orientation and authoritarianism. The potential for innovation in public governance is huge but it is unlikely that it can be fully harnessed before further democratization takes place, before a determined attempt to develop good governance and before support of local creativity.