The aims of the module
It is important to continuously strive for more democratic e-government, where resilience and innovation are guiding the modern democratic public administration. The aim of this module within the program Swedish Institute Academy for Young Professionals (SAYP) is to develop skills and address challenges around democratic digital governance through interactive learning anchored in both theory and practice.
Digital tools and services have shown to improve efficiency in public sector and to manage challenges of democracy, sustainability, and combat corruption. However, if done incorrectly, including digitalization in the state-building process could instead worsen the situation by decreasing social and political participation, questioning the legitimacy of the state. Therefore, researchers in the field of political science at Linköping University in Sweden are offering an interactive program on the challenges and possibilities of digitalization for democratic digital governance. The project team has a long experience of working with questions regarding democratic and legitimate digital government on both theoretical and practical levels by working closely with municipalities and public authorities in Sweden.
What is democratic governance in relation to digital government? The answer is not black and white, it is rather complex and context dependent. What this module aims to do is provide the knowledge and tools to identify challenges related to democratic digital governance, but also to highlight opportunities that are created by digital government. The module focuses on the context of the Western Balkans and shares experiences from Sweden. The module also offers opportunities to expand your network in the region of the Western Balkans.
Are you ready to tackle the challenges of the twenty first century?
Who can participate?
We welcome all the key actors involved in digitalization of public administration and public services. Our module is targeted to:
- Public servants, decisions-makers, and policy makers in public administration and political parties.
- Employees in civil society organizations.
In order to be eligible, you also have to:
- Be a citizen of one of the following countries: Albania, Bosnia and Hercegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia. Due to the current situation in Europe, you do not need to be currently residing in your country of citizenship.
- Have a good command of the English language.
- Have a relevant higher education (at least three years).
- Be 35 years or younger (born 1988-).
The advanced character of the lectures, the assignments and the discussions presume that the participants possess a certain knowledgeability of – and experience of - working with digital government or digital services. Otherwise, they should show an advanced interest in discussing digital government as an enabler in addressing challenges of democracy, transparency, equality, effectiveness, and resilience in a more sustainable public administration. They should also express an intention to apply the acquired learning and experience in their activities back home.