Diffusion of Administrative Innovations in Canadian Public Administrations

Abstract

This article presents the results of 15 case studies on administrative innovation by the federal and provincial governments of Canada. The results show that the provinces, particularly Ontario, have recently challenged the federal government's traditional role as mentor in administrative affairs. More important is the process by which diffusion and innovation occur: It is a multitrack sociopolitical process in which ideas play an independent role. Although the majority of cases have their origins in some form of politics, the latter does not drive out problem solving.