Participation of the Higher School of Vocational Training in the Kharkiv International Scientific Conference.
27 May 2025 an international scientific conference entitled "State Building and Local Government Research Institute of the NAPrN of Ukraine" took place in Kharkiv. "Legal regulation of public management and local government: comparative experiences and contemporary challenges".
The event was organised thanks to international cooperationwhich is based on a partnership agreement between our university and the Ukrainian side, and thanks to the commitment and support of the His Magnificence the Rector, the Vice-Chancellor for International Cooperation and the Dean. The conference organisers would like to thank the University authorities for their kindness, trust and active support of international initiatives.
Papers by representatives of our University
At the conference attended by representatives of the College of Vocational Trainingwho presented interesting scientific papers.
"Metropolitan governance in local government systems in the context of contemporary challenges".
Prof. Dr. Zdzisław Sirojć in his paper he discussed the specificities of managing large urban agglomerations, which are becoming key centres of socio-economic life. Professor Sirojć analysed models of metropolitan governance in selected European countries, and pointed to the need for a flexible legal framework to enable effective coordination between different local government units. Particular attention was paid to challenges such as suburbanisation, sustainable transport, housing policy and crisis management.
"Digitisation as a factor in the transformation of local governance: e-services, transparency and citizen trust".
Prof. Dr. Janusz Soboń and Dr. Ruslana Seleznova presented the role of digital transformation in public management at the local level. In the paper examples of implementation of local government e-services were presented, the impact of digital tools on the quality of public services and mechanisms to increase the transparency of government operations. It also points to the growing the importance of citizens' trust in public institutions as a result of effective digitalisation, transparency and public participation.
"Local government in multidimensional crises: legal challenges and adaptation strategies".
Prof. Dr. Jacek Stasiak focused on analysing the functioning of local governments in the midst of complex crises - economic, health, environmental and political. He presented proposals for legal and institutional solutionswhich can support the resilience of local structures in the face of unpredictable challenges. The paper also included examples of good practice from Poland and other EU countries on crisis management and adaptation of public services.
"Comparative analysis of local government systems in Central and Eastern European countries: between normative frameworks and implementation practice".
Prof. Dr. Adam Muszyński in his speech gave a comprehensive overview of the models of self-governance in the countries of the region, pointing out both common features and differences due to historical and institutional conditions. The gap between formal legal regulations was highlighted and the actual practice of local governance, which is important for the effectiveness of decentralisation reforms. The paper also included recommendations on increasing management efficiency and civic participation.
Importance and effects of participation in the conference
The presentations by our researchers were of great interest to conference participants - both from academia and public administration practitioners. Each of the speeches concluded with a lively discussion and exchange of experiences, confirming the importance of the topics covered in the context of contemporary challenges for the public sector.
As a result of the conference a peer-reviewed scientific monograph is plannedcontaining expanded versions of the presented papers. This publication will become an important tool for further international scholarly dialogue and exchange of good practices in public management and local government reforms.
Once again, we would like to thank the University authorities for the enabling participation in this important event and we look forward to continuing our fruitful cooperation.