On public values, strategic steering, and system change

PRIMO Europe and TIAS | februari 2020

Tilburg University and PRIMO Europe offer a concise program on strategic management. In line with the findings of national and international reports, senior managers in the public sector are facing a combination of transitions. These transitions are taking place simultaneously and call for careful consideration. This involves rethinking strategy, innovating in value creation, and restructuring the management of systems.

The Tilburg Institute of Governance (TIG), the Tilburg School of Economics and Management (TiSEM), both part of Tilburg University and Public Risk Management Organization (PRIMO) Europe, the only independent international network for the development and dissemination of products and services related to the steering of values and risks within the public sector in Europe, are entering into a strategic alliance in an international context, thus including the Netherlands.

The purpose of this alliance is to organize and deliver a professional, high-quality research program for general managers of public organizations focused on the systemic management of major transitions in the public domain. Tilburg University and PRIMO Europe both seek a strategic partnership to promote a cross-disciplinary understanding and exchange of knowledge and ideas related to the steering of public values in high-dynamic transitions. The collaboration in this program connects the content of transitions with public governance on a strategic and systemic level.

The program was launched and given in the study year 2019/2020.

Program

In line with the findings of (inter)national reports, top managers in the public sector are experiencing a combination of transitions. These transitions are occurring simultaneously and require reflection. Reflection on reformulation of strategy, innovation in value creation, and redesign of steering systems.

Public Risk Management Organization (PRIMO) and the Tilburg Institute of Governance (TiG) have jointly taken the initiative to develop a unique course. TiG conducts research into public governance and attaches great value to a good connection between science and practice, including through practice-based research and training for governance professionals. PRIMO aims to contribute to good governance of public organizations in particular and does so through a portfolio linking public values and governance. It focuses on knowledge sharing and knowledge promotion. Academic director is TIAS Professor Theo Camps.

The program was initiated and design in close collaboration with Tilburg University Professor Patrick Kenis and PRIMO Europe President Jack Kruf, this with support of and advise by Marcel van Bijnen (CEO / Secretary of the Province of Noord-Brabant), Ronny Frederickx (Chief Executive of The European Federation of City Chief Executives UDITE) and Harrie Scholtens (Program manager of European Public Sector Award (EPSA), and principal at the European Institute of Public Administration (EIPA)).

A selection of authoritative faculty/speakers

The course offers the best of three worlds: science, subject expertise and leadership (counselors as well as managers). Here is a selection:

• Frank Dietz – Program Manager Circular Economy at the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency
• Jan Pelle – Managing Director at Brabantse OntwikkelingsMaatschappij (BOM).
• Saskia Lavrijssen – Professor of Economic Regulation and Market Governance of Network Industries.
• Peter Glas – Delta Commissioner
• Maarten Schurink – Secretary General Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations.
• Saniye Çelik – Lecturer Diversity Hogeschool Leiden.
• Wim van de Donk – Queen’s Commissioner for the province of Noord-Brabant.

For whom is this program intended?

The program “Results in Times of Transition” is intended for administrative secretaries and directors of municipalities, provinces and water boards, and of relevant affiliated parties such as health services, environmental services, regional partnerships and security regions.

The program makes a unique connection between public values and risks, science and practice, strategy and implementation, and between the system world of politics, administration and management and the living world of society, linking personal leadership and action, strategy and system management to major social issues. The program specifically addresses the common and specific elements and characteristics of transitions and their effects.

With this program we bring you as a participant in close contact with both top scholars, subject matter experts authoritative public leaders. The course allows you to expand and strengthen your personal network. In addition, we offer you as a participant:

• Tools that help address and build the system and insight into how to apply these tools to transition your organization.
• Level sparring partners (with speakers and other participants).
• Introduction to top scholars and top public leaders.
• Knowledge of the connection between social issues and governance.
• Inspirations to come up with your own strategic approach to transitions.
• A diverse palette of experts, scientists and public leaders.
• Inspiration from national and international stories about how others do it and then translate it to your own context.
• Insight into your own potential and willingness to change.