Knowledge strategies – Participatory public policy-making for universities

RESEARCH AREA: POLITICAL SCIENCES

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CONTRIBUTION TO THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS OF THE UCM

The goal of SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) is to build inclusive and accountable decision-making and strengthen trustworthy institutions. The introduction of participatory processes increases citizen engagement and improves the quality of public policies. At UCM, research and teaching in participation and civic science develop methodologies and expert networks and connect public administration with the academic and civic spheres. At the same time, SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) are being fulfilled.

Social demand	How can we create public policy that truly reflects the needs of citizens? Good policy must be developed in close dialogue with society, not in isolation within government offices. Slovakia has long lacked systematic public involvement in decision-making and a professional network of experts on participatory processes that would ensure this dialogue.
UCM solution	The Participation I project brought a revolutionary approach – the introduction of professional participatory processes led by the Office of the Plenipotentiary of the Government of the Slovak Republic for the Development of Civil Society. The key output is the Knowledge Strategy, which systematically strengthens the role of citizens in public policy-making. A new course, Participatory Public Policy Making, was created for universities to prepare future experts with an emphasis on inclusive and transparent decision-making.
Social impact of the UCM solution	The results of the project have had an impact on education itself – new participation syllabi are now part of study programs at three universities. Research has shown that the academic sphere is a key place where expertise in participation is developed and the foundations for responsible public administration are laid. The UCM initiative involves the lay public in various scientific projects, creating areas of citizen science. Civic science is considered a research approach like any other, providing an opportunity for greater public engagement and the democratization of science. The practical application of FSV UCM research shapes generations of students who will be able to change the way public affairs are managed.
Partnerships	The initiative arose from close cooperation between academia and public administration, linking theory, research, and practice. The Office of the Government Plenipotentiary, several universities, and scientific projects created a platform where participatory principles are not only studied but also implemented in real decision-making processes.
Contact	PhDr. Martin Daško, PhD. (martin.dasko@ucm.sk) Faculty of Social Sciences Univerzita sv. Cyrila a Metoda v Trnave Nám. Jozefa Herdu 2 917 01 Trnava