As in other countries, the Norwegian public sector is subject to demands for improvement and reforms. The reason for the demand has varied over time. In recent years, there has been an intensified focus on addressing wicked problems and developing strategies to handle them effectively and legitimately. The accelerating pace of change and the growing complexity of societal challenges pose significant pressures on the performance of public administration and the organisation of public services. Simultaneously, there is a growing demand for deeper insights into change, reforms, and innovation within the study of public administration. This book addresses this need by integrating research on public sector innovation, multilevel governance, and collaborative practices within the realm of public health management.

In honour of Professor Oddbjørn Bukve (1951-2023), a distinguished Norwegian scholar in political science, the authors of this book tap into some of his key research interests. The contributors are academic friends, colleagues and collaborative partners of Oddbjørn Bukve during his long career at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, campus Sogndal.

Oddbjørn Bukve was an engaged academic with an entrepreneurial spirit. He wanted organisational and political research to be of relevance to the different fields of practice. The editors of this book have had this in mind and hope that Innovation, multilevel governance, and collaboration will be of interest to policymakers, leaders, and practitioners, as well as Master's and PhD students, political scientists, and organisational researchers. The themes addressed are particularly relevant to municipalities facing the growing demand to handle wicked problems and new innovation policies.