Business models in the public domain: the public governance canvas

Abstract This study aims to put forward a public governance ontology, based on robust business literature and a structured public governance concept, to aid in improving understanding, communication, innovation, and measurements in public ventures. The ontology approach is combined with design science to develop a “public governance canvas model,” which conveys different descriptions of governance arrangements of given public ventures. The product of this research is a model that forms the ideal structure of new strategic management and information tools, as well as offers other benefits relating to measurement and evaluation. Finally, the canvas model is applied in three different institutional contexts of public management. Further development of this review could be accomplished by applying this model to organizations that generate important outcomes for both practitioners and academics.