Page 105 - eplo 2016

Institute for Local Governance& Policy InnovationPROMOTING INNOVATIONS IN THE PUBLIC SECTORThe Institute for Local Governance and Policy Innovation (ILGPI) is the newest Institute of the EPLOand has been established in2016 aiming to promote best practices in local governance ina wide range of policy areas.In recent years a majorshift has taken place from thestate to the local level, as cities, municipalities and regions haveattracted more powers to generate economic growth and provide social services. In a competitive environment with shrinking public budgets but growing challenges for citizens and democracies alike, local authorities are evolving into fully- edged, autonomous pillars with the capacity to design their own policy strategies, thereby realizing a new model of multi-level and multipolar governance.At the same time, the development of new technologies has had an enormous impact on consumer attitudes and information trends. Economic and democratic institutions are in a constant pursuit of adapting their structures to rapidly changing demandsfor better and ef cient services. Hence, innovation in the policy sphere has had the effect of disrupting structures, hierarchies, behaviors, consumer trends, modelsand democratic transformation. Local authorities have developedinto hubs from which central governments can seekinspiration and good practices and where innovative policiesare devised with the aim to deal with acute socialproblems, generate growth and provide ef cient and inclusivesocial services. The chief goal of the Institute is to promote innovations in the public sector as a catalyst towards further socialand economic growth. Moreover, to serve as a repository of institutional memory for best practices in local governance and a hub of expertise for local and foreign policy makers. Innovative policies in a wide range of areas, both in Greece and internationally, will be studied and given the intellectual depth and the public exposure they so clearly lack.The mission of the ILGPI will be to produce original research and to develop teaching modules in local governance and innovative policies which aim to enhance democratic participation and economic productivity; to elaborate on best practices in these areas and to promote it both nationally and abroad;to serve as a focal point for the academic community, local governmentof production, labor and the very identity of contemporary citizenship.The idea for an Institutefor Local Governance and Policy Innovation (ILGPI) was envisaged at the nexus of this ongoing cognitive, institutionalThe ILGPI has been establishedin 2016 aiming to promote best practices in local governance in a wide rangeof policy areasand the state and to foster synergies between researchers,policymakers and practitioners through public events and symposia; and to hold trainingseminars in collaboration with local authorities that will be tailoredto the needs of their communities.ACTIVITY REPORT 2016 105