Toward a Definition of the Coproduction Concept

This article attempts to define "coproduction" in a manner useful to policy makers and to academics concerned with measuring the concept. Coproduction is considered the critical mix of activities that service agents and citizens contribute to the provision of public services. The involvement of the former consists of their work as professionals, or "regular producers," in the service process. Citizen coproductive activities, or "consumer production," are voluntary efforts of individuals or groups to enhance the quality and/or quantity of services they receive. Based on this definition, three types of coproduction are distinguished according to the nature of the benefits achieved: individual, group, and collective.