Barriers and Enablers of Public Sector Innovation

This thesis examines the perceived barriers and enablers of public sector innovation across the stages of idea generation, proposal development, and project implementation within Dutch municipalities. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combines quantitative survey data (N=75) with qualitative observations from innovation-related meetings. Findings reveal that leadership support, psychological safety, and cross-departmental collaboration are crucial enablers in the early phases, while clear procedures and sufficient resources become more important during implementation. Barriers such as bureaucracy, time constraints, and unclear processes consistently hinder innovation, but manifest differently at each stage. The research demonstrates that innovation challenges are organization-wide and do not vary significantly by department, age, or tenure. Practical recommendations include simplifying procedures, fostering leadership skills, formalizing collaboration structures, and ensuring adequate resources. The study contributes to public sector innovation theory by providing stage-specific insights and offers actionable guidance for policymakers and practitioners aiming to enhance innovation capacity in municipal organizations.