Success factors of implementing collaborative public sector projects : A study of the implementation of a collaborative welfare technology project in Norway

Abstract

Previous literature regarding project implementation and collaborative projects is extensive. However, research, so far, lacks a thorough investigation into aspects of the emerging field of collaboration amongst public sector actors. We extend existing research by merging the separate fields of collaborative projects and public projects. We seek to illuminate the interface between public projects and collaborative projects in an effort to identify success factors and barriers related to the implementation of collaborative public sector projects. By researching an inter-municipal project, we empirically establish distinctive success fac-tors and barriers of this specific type of project. We consequently argue that elements ofthe two variables, public sector and collaboration, impact the implementation of project deliverables in projects. Further, we show the complexity of this structure and how the implementation of project deliverables can be context-dependent. Beyond broadening the literature on collaborative public sector projects, this thesis also contributes to the literature regarding projectification and project management. Keywords: Collaborative public sector projects, Public projects, Collaborative projects, Project implementation, Projectification, Welfare technology, Norway