Current economic, societal, and technological transformations are changing management and governance practices in the public sector. The Public Management and Governance Research Network seeks to understand the influences and rethink theories and practices of the public sector at all levels: local, regional and central. As the role of governments evolves and new actors play a greater role in the delivery of services and goods, it is important to take a closer look at the arrangements that evolve between governmental and non-governmental actors. At the same time, there are increasing expectations of governments to meet current and future challenges and it is important to explore innovative models of management and governance that maintain the relevance, effectiveness, and efficiency of public sector organizations. This research program gives equal importance to research, knowledge mobilization, and professional development.
Infrastructure financing and asset management in the context of multi-level governance
This research project explores the relationships between the array of government and non-government stakeholders involved at different territorial levels in infrastructure financing and asset management in the context of Canadian federalism. The analytical framework of this research project is based on the concept of multilevel governance, which, in the context of this research, refers to the institutional arrangements that shape the financing and implementation of public policies requiring the sharing of responsibilities between the three levels of government (federal, provincial/territorial, and municipal) as well as other non-governmental actors (para-public and private in particular). We are interested in the financing of basic infrastructure (roads, drinking water, wastewater, public transit, social housing, etc.), but also in the life-cycle management of public assets, including investment planning, maintenance, and procurement of public infrastructure over the medium and long term.
Canadian and International Experience with post-pandemic strategic policy review.
In collaboration with the Planning and Performance Exchange (PPX), Carleton University, University of Ottawa, and Victoria University (BC), this project brings together academics and practitioners to explore design considerations for the anticipated federal post-pandemic strategic public policy review exercise.
University Governance
The Centre on governance is developing and implementing a University Governance Training and Research Program in partnership with the Canadian Francophonie Scholarship Program (PCBF), the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF), with the financial support of Global Affairs Canada (GAC). The main objective of this program is to train university executives and managers in developing countries in the implementation of sound university management and governance practices. www.gouvernanceuniversitaire.ca
Forum on Water Law and Governance
The Centre on Governance is collaborating with the Centre Public Law Centre and the Centre for Environmental Law and Global Sustainability on this project associated with the Alex Trebek Dialogue Forum, whose mission is to foster dialogue and knowledge mobilization on important water issues in Canada and abroad. The goal of this multidisciplinary and multi-jurisdictional project is to foster dialogue between academic researchers, government and political actors, the private sector and community groups. https://forumh2ouottawa.ca
Intergovernmental Relations and Digital Government in Federal Countries
This research project is developed in collaboration with the Forum of Federations. The aim of this project is to unpack some of the most pressing issues in intergovernmental relations in the digital age. Based on a comparative case studies analysis of height federations (Canada, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Switzerland, and the United States), we examine the most common challenges to intergovernmental relations in the context of digitalization. We also analyze best practices that illustrate how governments can overcome the challenges of collaboration between different levels of government when it comes to implementing the initiatives associated with digital government in federal countries. https://forumfed.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/OPS-53-Digitalization-of-Public-Administration-in-Federal-Countries-Updated1.pdf
Implementation of public policies and programs
In collaboration with the Performance and planning Exchange (PPX), the Centre on Governance study and assess public management and governance instruments and tools, results-based planning and management, accountability mechanisms and public reporting (audit, evaluation, strategic reviews, departmental reports, etc.). https://ppx.ca/results-based-management-training-courses/
The Public Governance Series
The Public Governance Series is developed by the Center on Governance in collaboration with the University of Ottawa’s Professional Development Institute to support professional development training of employees in the public and parapublic sector in Canada and across the world. By mixing university research and professional development, we wish to provide a space for exchanges between academics and public administration professionals to create a vehicle for the mobilization of academic knowledge.
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