Countries from the region of Central and Eastern Europe are going through the complex process of systemic transformation. The transformation concerns three main spheres:
- transformation of the state (public administration reform related to decentralisation and devolution of power);
- transformation of the economy (establishment of the basis for market-driven economy, privatisation, and reforms in the sector of communal economy); and
- transformation of society (establishment of the basis for development of civil society, conditions that ensure social participation in decision-making processes).
The basic problem of countries that have undergone systemic transformation is the lack of available capacities to solve specific problems. Advisory and consulting services are very strongly needed to find workable solutions that are tailored to specific circumstances. In the past decade the gap between the demand and supply of policy advice in the region was bridged by foreign consultants representing various international organisations and initiatives such as the EU/Phare programme, UNDP, USAID. However, over the course of the decade the need for the development of indigenous advisory capacities has become apparent.
The need for advice and support is recognised but adequate intellectual resources are not in place yet and the mechanism to provide advisory and consulting services is still lacking.
Research and educational institutions possess advisory and consulting potential that can be used by governments. In order to realise that potential, relationships are needed between suppliers and recipients. Suppliers have to be aware of the real needs of recipients, and the tools and mechanisms to transfer knowledge and experience can be worked out.
In most post-communist countries, rapid development of schools of public administration can be seen. Faculty members are usually highly experienced researchers and educators. However, most of them are relatively weak advisors or consultants. This is because in post-communist countries, there is no tradition of specialists working at universities providing community services or serving as advisors and consultants. The beginning of the reforms proved that these specialists are a valuable resource of knowledge and experience, making it worthwhile to invest in and use them.
In addition to the aforementioned general background situation concerning all the countries in transition, the accession countries to the EU have simultaneously had to cope with their administrative reforms involving special requirements of the integration processes and the preparation of their administration for the “European Administrative Space”. Institution Building in the accession countries has become one of crucial priorities in the adoption of acquis communautaire. This means adopting and strengthening democratic institutions, public administration and organisations that have a responsibility in implementing and enforcing Community legislation, not only approximation of the legislation but the effective and efficient implementation of the texts, including the development of relevant structures, human resources and management skills.
While the European Commission is dealing in this regard with individual countries (Phare programmes and twinning), this project aims to create horizontal advisory capacities of schools of public administration in the accession countries. The goal is to provide policy advice specifically focused on the institution building and issues related to EU integration.
Pilot
project phase
NISPAcee with the support of the UNDP RBEC Regional Support has launched the advisory training programme focused on fostering the successful implementation of public administration reforms throughout the region through the development of indigenous advisory capacities. Within the framework of this project, six trainers from different CEE countries were trained and a training programme designed and tested within two pilot training courses “How to be a Better Policy Advisor” (Bratislava, Slovakia – English language, Almaty, Kazakhstan – Russian language, October 2001). The manual for advisors “How to be a better policy advisor” (in English language and also in Russian) was developed and published in 2002 within the pilot project.
1st
project phase
Within the framework of training courses organised by NISPAcee in 2001 and 2002, a high degree of interest was seen from applicants from the accession countries. However, most could not be selected because of the limited number of places. Also evident was the increase of interest among NISPAcee member institutions. The topicality of this issue within the public administration reform in accession countries forced a number of schools and institutions of public administration to introduce changes in their research and training programmes. In terms of this project, the trained advisors can contribute with their new knowledge to the reform in the aforementioned region.
The main
objective of this project is to help the governments of the accession countries
to be able to cope with the requirements of institution building within the
framework of European integration and, at the same time, the ongoing public
administration reforms. Improvements are sought through the advisory capacities
of NISPAcee-member institutions via the practical utilisation of their
intellectual potential and knowledge transfer of educational and research institutions.
To pursue the objective of this project NISPAcee aims to prepare a cadre of trained advisors, capable of advising the governments of the accession countries in public administration reforms and in the preparation of their administration for the “European Administrative Space”.