Paper/Speech Details of Conference Program for the 16th NISPAcee Annual Conference Program Overview I. Working Group on Local Government Author(s) Jan-Erik Johanson University of Helsinki Helsinki Finland Title Three modes of strategy formation in local public agencies File Paper files are available only for conference participants, please login first. Presenter Abstract This study highlights organisation strategy within local government context. Three modes of strategy for local public agencies based on strategic thought in a corporate environment are identified. Strategic design, internal strategic scanning, and strategic governance embody three distinct modes of strategy relevant in the public sector. Programming actions, combining capabilities, and formation of networks capture the essence of these strategic orientations. By offering an organization-based view of public sector strategy, this study puts public agencies at the centre of strategic examination. Case examples in Finnish metropolitan government provide practical illustrations of the three strategy modes.