New Public Governance, neo-corporatism, and health policy: status quo, constraints, and future directions

Abstract

This paper examines the prospects of New Public Governance (NPG) within Germany’s neo-corporatist health system, focusing on institutional fit, practical barriers, and reform trajectories. While NPG promotes participation, collaboration, and co-creation, its application is constrained by power imbalances and limited cross-sector permeability. Using Integrated Care and Health in All Policies as examples, the paper highlights both partial alignment with NPG principles and structural resistance. Four future scenarios illustrate possible governance pathways. This paper contributes to public management research by showing how NPG reforms interact with entrenched governance modes and emphasizing the role of meta-governance and civic engagement.