The aim is to increase understanding of how different forms of governance affect democracy, efficiency, and legitimacy. A central premise is that the way public administration is organised has significant implications for societal prosperity and democratic development.
Organisation, governance, and legitimacy
We analyse issues of governance and control within welfare policy, the politicisation of municipal administration, and challenges in the organisation of research-funding agencies. The research also addresses administrative autonomy in relation to politics, recruitment and appointment processes, and core public administration values such as the rule of law, impartiality, and meritocracy.
Collaboration within the public sector
This area examines challenges and opportunities in collaboration between public organisations, for example inter-municipal cooperation and cross-sector collaboration in policy areas such as growth and public health. An important objective is to contribute knowledge that supports effective and democratically legitimate collaboration.
The role of courts in policy implementation
We analyse the role of administrative courts in safeguarding individual rights within the welfare sector, as well as how national courts interpret and apply EU legislation. The research highlights the importance of courts as actors in the implementation of public policy and as guarantors of the rule of law and equal treatment.
