The Institute of Public Administration in The Hague conducts leading research on contemporary policy and management processes within the public sector.

Central themes include the housing crisis, immigration, and the energy transition. Through a multidisciplinary approach, the institute contributes to scientific insights and practical solutions, aiming to enhance policy and strengthen public governance.

Research programme

Democratic societies and their governments face increasingly complex and cross-border challenges, leading to greater uncertainty for citizens and added pressure on governments to act effectively and responsively. The Institute of Public Administration addresses these challenges by contributing to well-functioning political systems and developing inclusive solutions through interdisciplinary research and collaboration with professionals in the public and semi-public sectors.

Our research focuses on understanding, explaining, and improving governance in the face of societal challenges. Our aim is to strengthen public institutions and contribute to free, open, and resilient societies.

The Institute of Public Administration is internationally recognised as a leading authority in the field of public administration and maintains strong connections with both the international academic community and practitioners. Research conducted at the Institute is funded not only by the Dutch government but also through grants from national and European research organisations (including NWO) and by public and private clients.

The institute's research programme is carried out within four thematic departments:

• Politics and Governance
• Public Management and Organisation
• Public Policy and Innovation
• States, Markets, and Civil Society

Cooperation and partners

The Institute of Public Administration is a member of the Netherlands Institute of Government (NIG), the national research school for public administration. The Institute collaborates closely in The Hague with a range of partners, including the Municipality of The Hague, various ministries, the Province of South Holland, and the Netherlands Court of Audit.

At the national level, the Institute is a partner of the Association for Public Administration.

At the international level, the Institute actively participates in networks such as the European Consortium for Political Research (ECPR), the European Group for Public Administration (EGPA), the Public Management Research Association (PMRA), the International Public Policy Association (IPPA), the International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS), and the European Master of Public Administration Consortium (EMPA).

PhD

PhD candidates at the Institute of Public Administration are part of the Graduate School of the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs and undertake part of their training at the NIG.

Centres

Research centres are focused on conducting and promoting research on specific topics within the research programme.