This article aims to present an overview of scientific literature in national and international journals on innovation in the public sector between 2000 and 2010. The objectives of the studies, the methodological choices assumed by the authors and major contributions to the advancement of understanding were analyzed. In Brazil, the production in such journals is in its early stages, but there has been a growing number of publications in the past five years. In the international context, the scientific production is more consolidated in three main focuses of study: environmental, organizational and managerial factors influencing innovation in the public sector. Research gaps were identified in five themes: (a) innovation process, (b) drivers and barriers, (c) characteristics of leaders that facilitate innovation, (d) effects of innovation and (e) factors that contribute to the dissemination of innovations in the public sector.
innovation; public sector; public administration
