However, these definitions often focus on the activities or methods used in the innovation process, rather than the purpose or intended impact. This research aimed to fill this gap by developing a framework that helps conceptualize innovation purpose in PSI labs.

However, these definitions often focus on the activities or methods used in the innovation process, rather than the purpose or intended impact. This research aimed to fill this gap by developing a framework that helps conceptualize innovation purpose in PSI labs.

The framework developed in this research is based on the principles of constructivist grounded theory and participatory action research. It recognizes that innovation is a complex and multifaceted concept, and that the purpose of innovation can vary depending on the context and the goals of the PSI lab.

The framework identifies four dimensions of innovation purpose: societal impact, citizen engagement, organizational transformation, and policy influence. These dimensions are not mutually exclusive and can overlap in practice. For example, a PSI lab may aim to achieve societal impact by engaging citizens in the innovation process, which in turn leads to organizational transformation and influences policy.

By considering these dimensions of innovation purpose, PSI labs can better articulate their goals and intended impact. This can help guide their activities, resource allocation, and evaluation efforts. It also allows for a more nuanced understanding of the role of PSI labs in the broader public sector innovation ecosystem.

One key insight that emerged from this research is the importance of aligning innovation purpose with the values and needs of the community or stakeholders being served. PSI labs should not impose a preconceived notion of innovation on the community, but rather co-create and co-design solutions that address their specific challenges and aspirations. This requires a shift from a technocratic approach to a more participatory and inclusive approach to innovation.

Another important insight is the need for PSI labs to continuously reflect on and adapt their purpose in response to changing societal needs and expectations. Innovation is not a one-time event, but an ongoing process of learning and adaptation. PSI labs should regularly assess their impact and engage in dialogue with stakeholders to ensure that their purpose remains relevant and meaningful.

Based on these insights, here are three actionable pieces of advice for PSI labs:

1. Engage in meaningful dialogue with stakeholders: PSI labs should actively seek input from the community and other stakeholders to understand their needs, aspirations, and concerns. This can help ensure that the purpose of innovation aligns with the values and priorities of the people being served.

2. Foster a culture of learning and adaptation: PSI labs should embrace a mindset of continuous learning and improvement. This includes regularly evaluating their impact, reflecting on their purpose, and making adjustments as needed. It also involves sharing lessons learned with the broader public sector innovation community to contribute to collective learning.

3. Embrace a participatory and inclusive approach to innovation: PSI labs should actively involve citizens and stakeholders in the innovation process. This can be done through co-creation, co-design, and co-delivery of solutions. It also involves building partnerships and collaborations with external organizations and experts to leverage their knowledge and expertise.

In conclusion, conceptualizing innovation purpose in PSI labs is crucial for ensuring that their activities contribute to meaningful societal change. The framework developed in this research provides a valuable tool for PSI labs to articulate their goals, align their activities, and evaluate their impact. By embracing a participatory and inclusive approach to innovation and fostering a culture of learning and adaptation, PSI labs can maximize their potential to drive positive change in the public sector.