Centre for Public Policy

10 September 2025: Dr Ian C. Elliott reflects on the success of the recent European Group for Public Administration (EGPA) Conference hosted in Glasgow, and how it illustrated the value of research related to public policy and governance in improving government services and bridging national and institutional divides.

Blog by Dr Ian C. Elliott

The Centre for Public Policy hosted the 50^th Anniversary EGPA Conference in August 2025. The EGPA is the European Group of Public Administration. It is a regional entity of the Institute of Administrative Sciences – a global federation of members states, national sections, and academic research centres focused on public policy, governance and administration. It has always acted as a bridge between policy and practice through its member nation states, schools of government and links with other international organisations including having advisory status in the UN ECOSOC, UNESCO and the ILO and links with the UN Committee of Experts on Public Administration and the UN Public Administration Network.

And so it made sense that the EGPA 50^th Annual Conference was hosted here at the University of Glasgow’s Centre for Public Policy - where evidence meets practice.

The last time this gathering of academics and practitioners was held in Glasgow was coincidentally 25 years ago. Then, just 90-120 delegates attended, mostly from the UK, structured within 8 Permanent Study Groups, a special working group related to the conference theme, and two keynote speeches by MSP’s from the recently re-established Scottish Parliament.

This year we had between 760-800 delegates structured across 23 Permanent Study Groups and 10 special streams, panels and workshops. In comparison to 25 years ago the delegates came from 59 different countries and the UK had the third highest number of delegates after Italy and the Netherlands. Outside of the Top Ten countries (which were all European apart from the US) there were notable delegations from China, Japan, Brazil, South Africa and India.

The remarkable growth and diversity at the EGPA conference is a testament to how governments across the world are investing in research and education related to public policy, governance and education. This growth is mirrored in the academic research being published, the development of state capacity and economic growth across those regions that have invested in their public institutions and state capacity.

Looking back over the 50-year history of the EGPA it is clear that the international and comparative research that has been conducted throughout this time, and the engagement with policymakers across Europe and beyond, has helped to establish and maintain inter-governmental relations and international cooperation.

At its best, public administration research can help improve government services, develop understanding of different approaches to government, and bridge national and institutional divides. When we cut investment in these activities we put at risk all the progress that has been made in the last 50 years. My hope is that the diversity of perspectives and approaches that were witnessed at the 50^th Anniversary EGPA Conference in Glasgow will continue to be seen in another 50 years from now – but we must all play our part to ensure that happens!

Author

Dr Ian C. Elliott is Senior Lecturer in Public Administration (Centre for Public Policy) and co-Editor-in-Chief of Public Administration and Development.

His research includes the strategic state and mission-led government as well as the teaching of public administration.

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First published: 10 September 2025