Dr. Christopher L Atkinson

This chapter explores the roles of elected officials, political parties, and interest groups in impacting public service design. The public sector environment is fraught with political challenges, competing priorities, and resource limitations, which together affect public service design decisions and outcomes. First, the matter of policy design in the public interest is addressed. The roles of administrators are discussed next to provide context. Elected officials and political parties may feign interest in public participation for short-run gains, but the reality is that public participation in government is limited; some reasons for the limitations are valid, others are less so. For interest groups, involvement is similarly limited beyond single-issue participation, for all but the most involved and highly funded interests. Public participation and co-production rhetoric may serve symbolic functions, instead of allowing for public inclusion and empowerment. The potential of symbol and the spectacle of reform in public policy raise serious concerns with not only the process of involvement in policy design, but in the outcomes of such activities. Still, benefit exists for public involvement in public service design, making its pursuit worthwhile.

This chapter contributes to the literature by focusing on public initiatives that have sought to capitalize on migrant-led efforts to build a new and resilient Scotland, potentially yielding an environment that can foster positive social change. First, this chapter reflects on Scotland as a place and destination for immigrants. Next, economic development in Scotland and the role of immigrants in this regard are reviewed. Policies and partnerships for migrant-led entrepreneurial development are discussed next. Finally, the potential for social change is considered, along with concluding thoughts and recommendations for future research. The Scottish approach is suggestive of efforts informed by charity, service, and inclusion, in increasing coherence, and an altering and redefining of how governments reach out to new communities to support their efforts for the benefit of all, with potential benefits for individuals, families, and the nation as a whole.