Futures for the Public Sector

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 interested in the future of governance, this compelling work reflects on how the forces transforming our world will impact the public sector.

Preface
by Annie Hondeghem and Trui Steen

INTRODUCTION

Looking at futures for the public sector
by Geert Bouckaert

PART 1: FUTURES OF THE POLITICOADMINISTRATIVE SYSTEM

Strategies for democratic public administration in an era of populism
by Michael W. Bauer

The trend towards fragility in the 21st century
by Alasdair Roberts

Undermining the administrative state: The case of the United States
by Donald Moynihan

Shifting power structures in the US : The rolling back of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies
by Norma M. Riccucci

PART 2: FUTURES OF CONTAINING CRISES AND DISRUPTION

Are poly-crises the new normal? Challenges for public administration in liberal-democratic states
by Brian W. Head

The rise of hybridity in the new ‘normalcy’ of crises
by Tiina Randma-Liiv and Steven Nõmmik

The future role of government in cybersecurity
by Greta Nasi

The dawn of disruptive technology-driven future government
by M. Jae Moon, Seulgi Lee, Seungkyu Park, and Ire Park

The digital transformation as a double governance challenge
by Albert Meijer

PART 3: FUTURES OF CITIZEN-STATE INTERACTIONS

The rise of sceptical citizens about public administration communication
by María José Canel

Politicisation and populism: The future of the frontline of public services
by Gabriela Lotta

PART 4: FUTURES OF ADMINISTRATING THE STATE

The transformation of the regulatory state?
by Martin Lodge

Why we need more public value
by Sandra Van Thiel

Ecosystems: the word that would be king?
by Adina Dudau

PART 5: FUTURES OF MANAGING THE CIVIL SERVICE

Shifting dynamics of advice : Non-state experts and private sector consultancies in public policy
by Rosie Collington

Flexibilisation of work and the future of public sector employment
by Adrian Ritz, Guillem Ripoll, and Lorenza Micacchi

The future of bureaucratic merit
by Marina Nistotskaya

The functional politicisation of the merit civil service : From responsive to subservient bureaucracy?
by Tobias Bach

The disappearance of lower-grade bureaucrats
by Steven Van de Walle

PART 6: FUTURES OF STUDYING PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

Using Public Administration research to strengthen ‘futures thinking’ in the public sector
by Jeroen Maesschalck

The future of a scattered field: Challenges and opportunities
by Asmus Leth Olsen

The rise of open science and public access : Implications for Public Administration research
by Mary K. Feeney

CONCLUSION

Which futures for the public sector?
by Geert Bouckaert

List of contributors

Geert Bouckaert

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.

Geert Bouckaert is professor at KU Leuven and Chair of the Committee for Contemporary Art.

Annie Hondeghem

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

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

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.

Tobias Bach

Michael W. Bauer

María José Canel

María José Canel is Professor of political and public sector communication at the Complutense University of Madrid, specialising in trust, legitimacy and communication in public institutions.

Rosie Collington

Adina Dudau

Mary K. Feeney

Brian W. Head

Seulki Lee

Martin Lodge

Gabriela Lotta

Jeroen Maesschalck

Jeroen Maesschalck is Professor of Criminology and Police Studies at KU Leuven.

Albert Meijer

Lorenza Micacchi

Jae M. Moon

Donald Moynihan

Greta Nasi

Marina Nistotskaya

Steven Nõmmik

Asmus Leth Olsen

Park Ire

Seungkyu Park

Tiina Randma-Livv

Norma M. Riccucci

Guillem Ripoll

Adrian Ritz

Alasdair Roberts

Sandra Van Thiel

Geert Bouckaert

Annie Hondeghem

Trui Steen

Steven Van de Walle