About Us
Why #CAPIS?
This video introduces the Institutional and Administrative Capacity Observatory (#CAPIS) of the University of Padua through the contribution of Professor Laura Polverari, Director of the Observatory.
She explains the mission and objectives of #CAPIS, namely how the Observatory aims to bridge the gap between academic research and public policy practice by providing policymakers with evidence-based insights and forward-looking solutions. She also describes the Observatory’s main research areas and its central role as a platform for innovative research, training, and the exchange of ideas in the field of public administration, highlighting its commitment to shaping the future of public policy through research and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The Context
Governments and public administrations are facing a novel set of challenges in dealing with the production of public goods and services. The social and economic consequences of globalisation and climate change, the digital revolution, demographic change and the protracted austerity (e.g. poverty, unemployment, social exclusion, declining trust in institutions, decreasing financial and human resources available to the public sector) are compelling public administrations to acquire new skills and competences, and to look for new governance arrangements and organisational models.
In the field of public administration research, there’s a vast body of studies that is sometimes quite descriptive. While the diversity of topics and methods is valuable, it also leads to fragmentation. For instance, there is often limited interconnection and dialogue between different research areas and methods, resulting in silos of knowledge and different “languages” among researchers. Additionally, little attention is given to multi-level dynamics, which should be viewed as an ecosystem rather than isolated issues.
Most research tends to focus on diagnosing problems rather than developing practical solutions. This approach can limit the real-world impact of the studies. Another challenge is the limited engagement with policymakers, where interactions are often restricted to data collection, with little follow-up or feedback. As a result, influencing policy is not usually a primary goal. To fill some gaps, grey literature and policy studies are used, but these are often constrained by client interests, which can limit their independence and influence. Overall, the capacity to shape policy agendas and set priorities remains limited, leaving room for growth in how research can better support decision-making and societal impact.
Our Mission
To bridge academic research and policy, providing evidence-informed responses to policymakers’ most pressing needs and offering foresight
The Observatory produces research reports, briefing notes and, prospectively, an annual report taking stock of the state of play of public administration in Italy. It will also offer training, in synergy with the Masters and BA degrees offered by the SPGI Department. Events and workshops will be organised, including on demand.
To this end, the objectives are the following:
