"Introduction: The Challenge of Capacity Building in Central and Eastern Europe"

Michael, Bryane. (2004) "Introduction: The Challenge of Capacity Building in Central and Eastern Europe".

Abstract

The purpose of these selections from contributions to the NISPAcee 11th annual conference is to contribute to that map by exploring the capacities needed by public sector bodies. The state has a role to play in providing public goods (such as educating the youth of the country) as well as in reflecting the political and social values (such as throwing out parties who turn a blind eye to corrupt privatisation). Yet, “capacities to govern” must be developed – capacities related to setting strategic direction, building capacity to implement policy, and building new ways of financing public goods and services. While it is too early to develop a model of government “rightsizing” and “capacity building”, the papers in this volume should contribute to such a theory. Figure 1 provides the reader with a roadmap for the papers which will follow.2 The first part of the volume provides an overview of capacity in the region. The second section describes the public perceptions and values which shape the authority and legitimacy of such capacity. The third set of papers describes the changing balance of responsibilities between central and non-central government. The fourth set of papers describes methods of financing the capacities to govern and the fiscal reflection of changing national and local level relations. The final section describes some issues related to the positive and negative interaction between the State and society.