Elusive appeal or aspirational ideal? The rhetoric and reality of the ‘collaborative turn’ in public policy

Abstract

Elusive appeal or aspirational ideal? The rhetoric and reality of the 'collaborative turn' in public policy Janine O'FlynnCollaboration is like cottage cheese.It occasionally smells bad and separates easily. 1 Apparently, there has been a 'collaborative turn' in public-policy circles.We have been informed that governments around the world must develop capabilities to be in a state of 'perpetual collaboration' if they are to competently face the looming challenges of the twenty-first century (Cortada et al. 2008), and that 'the future belongs to those who collaborate' (Economist Intelligence Unit 2007:4).The collaborative 'buzz' surrounding government (Wanna 2007) was even to be heard at the Australian Government's 2020 Summit in April 2008, at which the notion of collaborative governance was elevated as a 'top idea' that could propel the nation through the next decade or so (Commonwealth of Australia 2008).Prime Minister Kevin Rudd also hinted at the importance of collaboration when he addressed the Future Summit in May 2008, where he noted that there was a profound transformation afoot. 2 Clearly, collaboration is on the agenda.What, however, is collaboration?Are we really witnessing a fundamental transformation in the way government addresses the challenges of the twenty-first century, or has collaboration become the latest fad to penetrate the Public Service?The purpose of this chapter is to reflect on the contributions to this monograph and consider such questions.My argument here is not to suggest that collaboration in government is a myth, or that collaboration is not happening on the ground.Rather, my intention is to engage in a more realistic and useful discussion of the various ways in which we might work together.

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