Co-production in the Nordic context: Institutional roots and developmental trends

In this chapter, we identify and analyze the roots and horizon of Nordic coproduction. Coproduction has emerged recently in the Nordic countries – with national varieties. Coproduction in the Nordic countries is rooted in a multitude of rationales that point in many directions - and therefore contains paradoxes and tensions but also potentials. It is part of a renewal of a historically developed and slimmed welfare service characterized by a democratic deficit, weak user/citizen participation, and intersectoral collaboration. It aims to democratize welfare services so that users, carers, and community groups are positioned as active players and developers. But at the same time, a more efficient and optimized public sector is at the centre by remodeling citizens as responsible collaborators that might lead to greater efficiency but also allow for 'sugaring' unpopular cuts. The 'classic' passive welfare recipient is transformed into a more commercialized and consumerized active subject since options for personalized service are strengthened. It also entails an ambition to reduce the negative spiral of citizen complaints and dissatisfaction that has led to ways of transforming these energies to support more cooperation and influence. Finally, this also leads to renewal and upgrade of the professional roles and professionalism since coproduction to a larger degree set the needs of citizens in focus and increases participation and collaboration.