A brief history of lean in the public sector

Abstract

The development of Lean principles within the public sector began in 2003 following Lean Construction Institute´s developing efforts on relational contracting. Later, challenges and opportunities for implementing Lean were identified in Californian construction law. Collaborations with entities like the California Department of Transportation and the University of California San Francisco showcased Lean's benefits, leading to legislative changes allowing broader implementation across the University of California system. Healthcare also saw streamlined processes through collaborations, in this case, between the P2SL, the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development, and major healthcare companies, reducing project durations significantly. International expansion in 2009 led to successful Lean pilot projects in Germany and Finland. Inspired by Washington State's Lean governance practices, Lean in Public Sector Construction (LIPS) expanded its focus beyond construction. LIPS has conducted impactful global conferences, highlighting Lean's transformative role in reshaping diverse public sector operations and governance worldwide.