Small Basic Project: The development of a holistic governance model for an efficient and effective slovenian public administration (J5-8238)
Head of the research group: Prof. dr. Aleksander Aristovnik
Societal changes have induced new, highly problematic and very complex administrative issues. Implications of the global financial crisis, migration issues, the rise of extremist right-wing parties, populism, ecological issues, the digital revolution and others reveal the current governance models’ insufficiency for holistically responding to the needs of modern society. Therefore, this project’s purpose is to develop an adequate holistic governance model (HGM) within which the Slovenian public administration (PA) will be proactive as an enabler and driver of societal progress and welfare. The HGM will be based on the following, presently lacking, integrative elements in both politico-administrative decision-making and relevant research: 1) addressing complex crosssectoral administrative issues interdisciplinarily; 2) including all societal subsystems and their stakeholders at the macro (society), mezzo (government) and micro (individual PA entities) levels of governance; and 3) encompassing supplementary qualitative and quantitative research methods.
Duration (from/to):
1. 5. 2017 – 30. 4. 2020
Contracting Authority:
Slovenian Research Agency
Financing:
The project is being financed with 1.756 yearly hours (A price category) for 3 years.
Members of the research group and links to the SICRIS portal
The group consists of researchers from the two participating organizations: University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Administration and consultancy company Logon d.o.o.
University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Administration:
Prof. Aleksander Aristovnik (leader)
Assist. Prof. dr. Mitja Durnik
Assoc. Prof. dr. Mirko Pečarič
Assoc. Prof. dr. Primož Pevcin
Assist. Prof. dr. Nina Tomaževič
Luka Vavtar, Technical associate
Logon informacijske tehnologije, d.o.o.:
The project tasks will be divided into five complementary work packages (WPs). The objective of the first work package (WP1) is to qualitatively establish the theoretical framework for developing the HGM. By applying methods of description, comparison and compilation, we shall:1) identify current fundamental governance models and their distinguishing elements; 2) establish the main criteria for governance effectiveness, efficiency and accountability in resolving societal challenges; and 3) identify future key challenges and governance model improvement trajectories The objective of WP2 is to quantitatively identify the ‘ideal’ instance of HGM. A tailored survey, encompassing assessments of governance model factors, will represent the main data source for the analysis. The macro-level respondents, namely citizens and businesses as a counterpart of the PA, and mezzo and micro groups of different PA-level representatives, will be asked to provide information on the experiences and expected factors and effects as opposed to the elements of existing governance modes. Next, by applying the grouping method (cluster analysis on model differentiation factors) among the various respondent groups, the desired HGM will be quantitatively identified to develop the grounds for a holistic design. The objective of WP3 is the in-depth validation and optimisation of the statistically indicated HGM. A mixed methods triangulation will be employed, entailing semi-structured interviews with stakeholders at all three governance levels, literature, and interdisciplinary expert reviews. This will optimise the HGM and, thus, its absorption potential. Moreover, the information collected from major stakeholders will serve as a direct input for WP4, aimed at a systematic implementation of HGM on different PA levels. Here, a tailored model holism indicator will be developed to provide appropriately weighted referential target values for implementing the model. Finally, WP5 related to dissemination is planned. First, we propose a permanent specialised NISPAcee Working Group (The Network of Institutes and Schools of Public Administration in Central and Eastern Europe covers five regions and acts via annual conferences and international projects). Second, a scientific monograph shall be prepared, comprehensively analysing the ‘wicked’ administrative issues in Slovenia and beyond, and the HGM to bridge them. Thus, promotion of the HGM and its potential across Europe will be enabled. In general, the project’s significant contribution shall be twofold: 1) A clearly defined HGM for the Slovenian (-like) PA; and 2) a transparent and indicator-guided methodology for a systematic transition from the existing to the optimal governance model for resolving complex and global societal issues, and thus enabling large-scale social innovation.