International Public Management Review

Coordination of Social Complexity Through Public Policies

Fatih Demir — 2024-12-21

Social complexity assumes the interrelation of different actors and systems with marked autonomy to define their own interests and operating procedures. In this context, social coordination models are developed that combine the autonomy of actors and systems with coherence around objectives. Based on examples, the article reviews the current issues of coordinating complexity through public policies, models of policy networks, and the role played by social representation in public policy. We conclude that the high reflexivity of these models allows, even with limitations, the combination of the principles of autonomy and coherence in the operation of public policies.

The potential theoretical effects of structured dialogue in public research funding processes

Peter Fusdahl — 2024-12-21

European medical research projects are becoming increasingly diverse and international. Researchers are encouraged to engage with stakeholders in society to ensure that research and innovation make substantive contributions to societal well-being. The medical and social cost of dementia for society is higher than for cancer, but dementia researchers are awarded only a fraction of the cancer research funding amount. This theoretical study, accompanied by an empirical case from a high-income country in Europe, suggests that public research funding models do not align the medical research objectives of policymakers, public decision-makers and executing researchers and that the introduction of structured dialogue between the parties can mitigate this misalignment. This impacts the research in less mature sciences, such as dementia research, more negatively. Implementation of structured dialogue in the public research funding processes will reduce stakeholder tensions and improve the achievement of the participating parties' objectives. Structured dialogue can be implemented through a proven World Café dialogue method.

Creating Public Value within the Smart Energy Communities (SECs)

Simone Cifolelli — 2024-12-21

Hybrid organizations, such as Smart Energy Communities (SECs), play a pivotal role in the dynamic landscape of the energy sector by attempting to harmonize the pursuit of both public and private value. As the transition to a sustainable and smart energy future gains momentum, understanding how these organizations effectively balance these dual objectives and create public value becomes paramount. This paper investigates the intricate dynamics influencing the ability of hybrid organizations to effectively create public value. Factors such as governance structures, stakeholder relationships, and mission alignment will be explored in depth to illuminate the strategies employed by these organizations to reconcile dual goals. Furthermore, this work develops a theoretical framework that enhances our understanding of the mechanisms and strategies employed by hybrid organizations to optimize public value creation. The framework considers the diverse missions, stakeholders, and organizational structures present within hybrid organizations. It integrates concepts from organizational theory, public management, and corporate social responsibility to provide a holistic view of the factors that contribute to the creation of public value in these complex entities. By systematically analyzing these factors, the paper offers practical insights for SECs and policymakers seeking to enhance their effectiveness in driving positive social and environmental impacts.

OECD Global Taxation & SDG Achievement

Eleni Apostolidou — 2024-12-21

This article focuses on Pillar Two global taxation for MNEs from the perspective of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It evaluates how the international tax cooperation framework, the OECD Inclusive Framework (IF)'s institutional architecture and normative outputs, aligns or not with SDGs. Attention is given to developing countries regarding their inadequate representation and the limited inclusivity of the IF decision-making process, which generates tax norms on global taxation that do not accommodate their sustainable development needs in terms of fiscal policies. Through a wide-ranging review, this article showcases through concrete examples the shortfalls of producing global taxation with sustainable development imperatives within the G20/IF framework. Finally, the article contends that shifting global taxation norms to the UN does not resolve per se these complexities, and advocates instead for a more inclusive and responsible global tax governance system.