The pressures of adapting to digital advancements and climate change are straining public administrations that aim to assess and deal with these changes for a sustainable future and improved policymaking. To support the adaptation, the Public Administration Capabilities for Digital and Sustainable Transition (PADST) project will encourage research and discussions into public administration and policymaking in view of the twin digital and sustainable transition. What administrative capacities and capabilities do governments need to couple and steer the twin digital and sustainable transition?
When
June 16-18, 2025. We start on the afternoon of June 16 and end at 13:00 on June 18.
Location
Leuven, Belgium.
Belgium is often considered the heart of the European Union and is known for its complex yet effective political landscape. The country has long served as a central hub for European policymaking. Leuven is home to one of the oldest and most prestigious universities, KU Leuven, which highlights Belgium’s blend of heritage and forward-thinking innovation. Leuven has gained recognition as a pioneer in twin transition initiatives, having been awarded the title of European Capital of Innovation in 2019 and several sustainability accolades, including the European Green Leaf in 2018. The city focuses on both green and digital transitions and is committed to enhancing its services and environmental practices. However, Leuven faces environmental challenges, particularly related to flooding, which affects its approach to environmental management and green transition initiatives. Additionally, Leuven hosts Imec, a leading research company specializing in cutting-edge semiconductor technologies. The collaborative approaches within the city showcase the priority of policymakers to consider all aspects related to the green and digital transitions. These dynamics make Belgium, and Leuven in particular, an inspiring location to discuss how public administration can evolve in the face of digital and green transitions.
Organizers
The summer school is organized by KU Leuven Public Governance Institute. The coordinator of the summer school is prof Joep Crompvoets. The PADST project is a joint initiative of KU Leuven (Public Governance Institute), TalTech (Ragnar Nurkse Department of Innovation and Governance), Utrecht University (Public Management Group), and University College London (Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose).
Target group
This summer school aims to bring together early-career researchers (esp. doctoral students) who study public administration, governance and its relationships with digital transformation, green transitions or sustainability governance. The key target group are the early-career researchers from the PADST project member universities. There are also several places available for applicants outside the PADST project member universities. The summer school will be conducted in English, and participants are expected to have a good command of the language.
Scope and aim
Following the PADST project aims, the third summer school in Leuven will focus on two key research and policy challenges, while also trying to build bridges between these topics:
– What have we learned about how public administrations addressed the twin transition policies and what are the main challenges?
– How can public administrations adapt to future twin transition challenges and needs posed by the ever-changing external environment, including political, environmental and economic changes?
The Leuven summer school is the third event in a series of PADST summer schools planned for the coming years. Its aim is to create a network of PhD and early-career researchers who are interested in public administration, particularly in its interactions with digital and sustainable transitions. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in discussions and debates on these topics with leading scholars and experts from local, national, and European levels. They will also be able to present their own research, receive feedback and guidance, and participate in workshops and seminars. Participants will further enhance their experience by networking with fellow researchers and practitioners. The third summer school in Leuven provides a platform to improve the quality and relevance of participants’ research, increasing their visibility and chances for high-level PhD publications. Additionally, it offers unique access to insights from high-level policymakers involved at the local and European level on the twin transition topics. Lastly, participants will get a chance to experience the local culture of Leuven, along with the busy life of the European quarters.
Facilitators (tbc)
Facilitators include prof Wolfgang Drechsler (TalTech), prof Rainer Kattel (UCL), prof Vasilis Kostakis (TalTech), prof Veiko Lember (TalTech), prof Joep Crompvoets (KU Leuven), prof Trui Steen (KU Leuven), prof Steven Van de Walle (KU Leuven), prof Erna Ruijner (Utrecht) and various EC and Belgian green transition and digital transformation policymakers.
Fee and costs
There are no participation fees. Accommodation and travelling costs for a selected number of participants from the PADST project member universities will be fully covered.
Application
To apply, please fill in the form HERE Â by April 6, 2025. Please note that there are limited places available, and successful applicants will be notified by April 13, 2025.
Inquires
Please contact joep.crompvoets@kuleuven.be. The detailed programme will be announced after registration.
