Futures for the Public Sector - by Geert Bouckaert & Annie Hondeghem & Trui Steen & Steven Van de Walle & Tobias Bach (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Thought-provoking analysis of how illiberalism, major crises and digital transformation are changing our politico-administrative systems
What does the future hold for the public sector?

A convergence of illiberalism, major crises, system quakes and digital transformations are reshaping current politico-administrative systems. How will this challenge the way states and public administrations can and should be managed, and what will be the impact on citizen-administrative relations and our models of democracy?

In this book, leading Public Administration scholars reflect on major trends in the public sector and their implications. They offer visions of how the academic field of Public Administration can respond to or anticipate possible futures. Ideal for policymakers, academics, and anyone invested in the future of governance, this compelling work reflects on how the forces transforming our world will impact the public sector.

Ebook available in Open Access.

Contributing authors: Tobias Bach (University of Oslo), Michael W. Bauer (European University Institute), Geert Bouckaert (KU Leuven), Maria-José Canel (Complutense University of Madrid), Rosie Collington (University College London, Copenhagen Business School), Adina Dudau (University of Glasgow), Mary K. Feeney (Arizona State University), Brian W. Head (University of Queensland), Annie Hondeghem (KU Leuven), Seulki Lee (Yonsei University), Martin Lodge (The London School of Economics and Political Science), Gabriela Lotta (Getulio Vargas Foundation), Jeroen Maesschalck (KU Leuven), Albert Meijer (Utrecht University), Lorenza Micacchi (University of Bern), Jae M. Moon (Yonsei University), Donald Moynihan (University of Michigan), Greta Nasi (Bocconi University), Marina Nistotskaya (University of Gothenburg), Steven Nõmmik (Tallinn University of Technology), Asmus Leth Olsen (University of Copenhagen), Park Ire (Yonsei University), Seungkyu Park (Yonsei University), Tiina Randma-Livv (Tallinn University of Technology), Norma M. Riccucci (Rutgers University), Guillem Ripoll (University of Navarra), Adrian Ritz (University of Bern), Alasdair Roberts (University of Massachusetts Amherst), Trui Steen (KU Leuven), Steven Van de Walle (KU Leuven), Sandra Van Thiel (Erasmus University Rotterdam)

Review Quotes

The book is a brilliant and forward-thinking examination of public sector evolution. The editors bring together a range of expert voices to thoughtfully argue how complex socio-political, technological, and economic shifts necessitate innovative transformations within the public sector. The book not only synthesizes current knowledge but also advances new avenues for future research, making it an indispensable reference for anyone dedicated to understanding and improving the public sector's role in society. - Sabine Kuhlmann, Universität Potsdam

About the Author

Geert Bouckaert is professor emeritus at the KU Leuven Public Governance Institute. He is past-president of the European Group for Public Administration, and of the International Institute of Administrative Sciences.

Annie Hondeghem is professor and former director of the KU Leuven Public Governance Institute. She co-ordinates the Policy Research Centre on Governance Innovation, commissioned by the Flemish government.

Trui Steen is professor in public governance and co-production of public services and director of the KU Leuven Public Governance Institute. She publishes on public sector innovation and co-creation of public services.

Steven Van de Walle is professor in public management at the KU Leuven Public Governance Institute. Prior to joining KU Leuven, he held the chair of Public Management at Erasmus University Rotterdam.