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Welcome to the Department of Public Administration at University of Twente, where we embark on a transformative journey at the crossroads of governance, technology, and societal progress. Our mission is to shape leaders, policymakers, and public managers who not only understand the complexities of modern governance but are also equipped to navigate the intricate relationship between technology and society.
At the Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences (BMS), we are a bunch of tech-savvy social scientists eager to make the world a better place. We’re quite as excited about the wonders of humanness as we are about the powers of technology – and by bringing people and tech together in innovative, responsible and value-creating ways, we help them both become better versions of themselves.
- What we do/our identity
Today’s societies are marked by societal and technological transformations and disruptions that generate unprecedented challenges. Think about environmental change and the energy transition, international migration, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, and the current crisis of democracy. These challenges are driven by technological and political-administrative changes and require interconnected technological and political-administrative solutions.
It is therefore no surprise that governments play a key role in designing such solutions. Technological solutions cannot be effective and legitimate without a comprehensive understanding of the workings of government and public organizations, of political decision-making and public policy. The success and failure of technological solutions to societal challenges often have their roots in political-administrative processes. For example, administrative traditions and bureaucratic procedures that are typically perceived as obstacles for technological innovation might also be are essential for safeguarding democracy and the rule of law.
For a university of technology, it is essential to understand how political-administrative processes work and what the rationalities are behind such processes. Technologies and designed solutions often succeed or fail because of a lack of such understanding. For example, the use of artificial intelligence in the public domain triggers a need for new scientific insights in the risks of these technologies pose for democratic society. Cyber security is an international challenge that requires a deep understanding of political-administrative collaboration and policy coordination among governments across the globe. Public administration is the academic field that provides such insight and understanding.
- About us
Our department is responsible for research and education on Public Administration in the contemporary technological context of a Fourth Industrial Revolution. We seek to contribute to the development of a digital, fair, and sustainable society from a Public Administration scholarship perspective. Our research and teaching focuses on how the grand societal and technological challenges of our time are addressed by governments and governance institutions. Such challenges are sustainable development, artificial intelligence, big data, algorithmic governance, data protection, smart cities, and administrative reforms. We include the perspective of globalization and localization of governance in a technologically transforming world. The Section of Public Administration is a group of researchers with expertise in the subdisciplines Public Policy, Public Management and Public Governance in a strong methodological setting.
- Understanding the Role of Technology in Society: In an era defined by technological advancements, we delve into the profound impact of technology on governance. Our programs explore how technology intersects with public administration, offering insights into managing complex challenges in areas such as sustainability, crisis management, immigration, and (cyber)security.
- Tackling Complex Societal Challenges: Curious about how governments and public organizations tackle intricate issues in our interconnected world? Explore our research and educational bachelor MS&T and master PA and master ES programs that delve into the strategies employed to address challenges ranging from environmental sustainability to crisis response, immigration policies, and the ever-evolving landscape of (cyber)security.
- Engaging Visuals: Engaging learning environment: Immerse yourself in our learning environment by taking our courses that capture the essence of commitment to knowledge. Our subjects showcase the dynamic intersection of technology and public administration and invite you to be part of a learning environment dedicated to shaping the future.
- Our Mission
The Department Public Administration contributes to the heart of this mission by addressing political-administrative, societal and technological challenges through the development of public policy, public management and public governance – thus shaping a fair, sustainable, resilient and digital society in the face of multiple, and conflicting, stakeholder interests. Its public administration research and education focus on shaping connected communities, sustainable environments, better healthcare systems, governing for a resilient world, and shaping a digital society. Its research and education are marked by an emphasis on transforming political-administrative systems, embedding new technologies in the public domain and intermingling public administration with society and technologies. The Department Public Administration brings societal and technological questions into the world of public administration and integrates and collaborates across different knowledge domains and stakeholders.Inline button (CTA)
Public Administration about shaping 2030Shaping 2030 - Our department is Institional member in the following networks
- Engagement with Societal Challenges
It is not surprising that our staff is asked to investigate major social issues. For example, the accident with flight MH17 and, at the request of the 2nd Chamber, the recently re-investigated fireworks disaster in Enschede.
Detailed information of staff, reseach projects and media activities can also be found through people pages.
NEWS & EVENTS
BMS colloquia Within the faculty BMS